Other NI News In Brief

North Belfast Volunteers Honoured

Volunteers based in north Belfast were honoured at an event organised by Loughview Community Action Partnership and the Greater New Lodge Community Empowerment Partnership. The evening was a celebration of the work of the two groups and a way of thanking the numerous people who volunteer in north Belfast to improve the lives and opportunities of their communities. Stormont Junior Minister Gerry Kelly presented eight awards to volunteers under the four categories of: Volunteering with Young People; Volunteering with Older People; Volunteering in Community Relations work; and Volunteering in Community Safety work. Mr Kelly commented: "I appreciate that there are many challenges facing the communities in North Belfast and these are made even more difficult by the current economic climate. Now, more than ever, it is vital that communities work together to make their areas safer and more appealing, to attract new businesses to the areas. We realise the valuable role that volunteers play in this process and voluntary work is increasingly important as we leave mistrust and division in the past and move towards a society that is shared and inclusive." OFMDFM provides funding to both groups through the North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme and the Minister commended all those involved in the initiative.

Pizza Chain To Create 100 New Jobs

A popular fast food company is to open three new stores in Northern Ireland, creating 100 jobs. Domino's Pizza is opening its new stores in Larne, Armagh and Carrickfergus. There are 15 existing outlets in Northern Ireland, and 665 across the UK. Dominos has said they aim to open 60 new stores in the UK this year. Chief Executive Officer for Domino's Pizza UK & Ireland, Chris Moore, commented: "We are delighted to be opening three new stores in Northern Ireland all on one day. We continue to thrive as the number one pizza delivery expert and bringing 100 new jobs to the towns of Larne, Carrickfergus and Armagh is a welcome boost for the local economies. We are very proud to continue to open new stores, build our business and generate employment in this challenging economic climate."

Man Assaulted At Home By Gang

A man has been tied to a bed and assaulted by a masked gang during an attempted armed robbery at his house in Claudy. Up to four men gained entry to the property in the Muldonagh Road area and it is believed that two of them were armed with guns. When the owner of the house returned home he was confronted by the gang, who demanded money. He was then tied to the bed and attacked, before the men made off empty-handed in a silver Ford Mondeo car. Police are appealing for anyone who has information to contact them.

Entertainment Clubs Close Early Because Of Soccer Riots

Belfast's Odyssey complex is close early at weekends after soccer fans rioted there. Nine people were arrested at the complex on Sunday during clashes between supporters of Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic. The trouble flared following an Old Firm game earlier that day. Odyssey club owners have agreed to close at 10pm for the next two Sundays, review cheap drink promotions and tighten up admission checks. The agreement was reached at a meeting between police and the Odyssey's management on Tuesday. A police spokesperson said it was stressed at the meeting that "concerted efforts would have to be made by all parties, including licensed premises to ensure public disorder was avoided." A spokesman for the Odyssey Trust said: "We concur with the PSNI's recommendation to close the clubs earlier on a Sunday night for the next couple of weeks in order to avoid a reoccurrence of this type of activity."

Man Struck By Lorry In Critical Condition

A man is critically ill in hospital after being struck by a lorry in Ballynahinch, Co Down. The collision happened at Windmill Street, close to a restaurant. The victim is believed to be aged in his sixties. The road has re-opened.

Woman Accused Of Attempting To Wound Man

A 49-year-old woman from Eglinton in County Londonderry is to go on trial charged with attempting to wound a man. Jacqueline Taylor, Glen House Mews, Main Street, pleaded not guilty to attempting to wound the man, threatening to kill him, and assaulting him in Derry. She was released on bail on condition she stays out of the Waterside area and has no contact with witnesses. The trial at Londonderry Crown Court will begin in May.

Local Broadcast Journalist Receives OBE Honour

BBC presenter Mark Carruthers has been presented with an OBE by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. He was awarded the OBE in the Queen's New Year honours list in recognition for his services to drama in Northern Ireland. Mr Carruthers is chairman of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.

(JG/GK)