Orange Orders New Boss

There is a successor to outgoing Orange Grand Master Robert Saulters after members of the institution's Grand Lodge met in Co Londonderry on Wednesday. Edward Stevenson, a 55-year-old farmer from Co Tyrone, who was formerly Deputy Grand Master of the institution, was appointed and will take over from Robert Saulters, who announced he would step down from the position after 14 years.

Shop Shocker

A shop assistant has been treated for shock after being threatened by two men armed with a meat cleaver and a baseball bat in Dunmurry on Tuesday. After the pair demanded that the woman hand over cash, the man carrying the baseball bat smashed the till and grabbed a small sum of money. As the man and his accomplice were leaving the shop he smashed a glass counter and a woman who witnessed the robbery was also said to be "very shaken" but was otherwise uninjured.

Icy Roads Alert

As many as three accidents have been reported on the busy M1 close to Portadown this morning, and while the police said there were no injuries, they have warned of similar treacherous conditions elsewhere in Northern Ireland. Black ice was affecting the overtaking lanes of the M2 in both directions, from the start of the motorway through Sandyknowes and on to the Randalstown M23. Warnings were also issued for the A1 Lisburn to Hillsborough, and the the A8 from Sandyknowes to Corrs Corner with the PSNI advising motorists to reduce their speed and drive with caution.

NI Helping Tiny Lives

TinyLife, the premature baby charity for Northern Ireland has launched a new ladies only, one-day challenge event 'Operation Lipstick'. To be held on Saturday 26th March 2011 in Castlewellan Forest Park, it will see a GI Jane-style event suitable for ladies of all ages and abilities taking place. Teams of six will take part in mental, physical and practical tasks including orienteering, wall climbing, raft building and raft racing. The day will end with a prize giving and barbeque. There is an entry fee of £10 per person and each participant is asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Entry forms available by contacting TinyLife on 02890 815050 or email: Valerie@tinylife.org.uk

Demolition Delay Concerns

North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir is concerned after learning that demolition of the flats at West Green, Holywood has been put back until March 2011. Commenting on the issue of the Co Down complex, Cllr Muir stated: "After making enquiries to ascertain the definite timescale for demolition I have been informed by the Housing Executive that the demolition would occur before or shortly after Christmas, but, unfortunately, there has been a need to retender the contract. In this respect it is unlikely that the demolition will take place before March at the earliest." Continuing, Cllr Muir said: "I understand the reason for delay is due to a demolition job in Ballybeen taking much longer than expected. I am very disappointed that people living in Loughview Estate will have to endure this eye sore and magnet for anti social behaviour until Spring 2011. I will continue to press the Housing Executive to ensure demolition takes place as soon as possible. People want this blot on the landscape gone without any further delay," he concluded.