Hero Recalled

Relatives of a Scottish soldier killed in Northern Ireland almost 40 years ago have received the Elizabeth Cross. Trooper Ian Caie was serving with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards when he died following a bomb blast in Crossmaglen, in August 1972. Colonel of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Brigadier Simon Allen, presented the award in Edinburgh. The Elizabeth Cross is granted to the relatives of personnel killed as a result of terrorism.

Circuit Of Ireland All Set

The Circuit of Ireland roars into action on the coming Easter weekend with the Co Antrim city of Lisburn set to close its streets as the Lisburn 'Power Stage' becomes a spectacular finale to the first leg of the famous rally, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. More than 30,000 people attended in 2010, generating more than £1.5m for the local economy. The two-day event will begin in Armagh on Saturday, April 23, with around 135 competitors racing over 16 stages and 342 miles.

Tyrone Terror Alleged

A 38-year-old man is due to appear in court in Dungannon today charged with four firearms offences. He faces charges on alleged possession of explosives and guns including a machine gun and three shotguns, and possession of articles likely to be of use to terrorists. They were found during a search in Co Tyrone on Sunday.

Bomb Alert 'Hoax'

Security continues to dominate many parts of NI as Army bomb experts last night carried out a controlled explosion on a suspect device on the outskirts of west Belfast. A number of homes were evacuated during the security alert which began in the Colinmill area at about 11pm. A police spokesperson said that the alert was caused by an elaborate hoax.

Rain Clears

A Belfast nightclub accused of overcrowding has had its entertainments licence restored this week after the Licensing Committee agreed to lift the suspension. The Tomb Street venue, Rain's licence had been on hold since February 16 after a number of alleged breaches. See: Overcrowding Recalls Stardust Disaster

Nelson Inquiry Held-over

Publication of the findings of an inquiry into the murder of solicitor Rosemary Nelson will not happen until after the May 5 Assembly election, the Government has announced. The inquiry team had already said it hoped to have its long-awaited report into the allegations of security force collusion in the killing completed by the end of April. But while NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson confirmed the completion of legal checks of the document, to ensure its contents do not endanger any individual or compromise national security, he said a date for the report's publication would not be set until after the Assembly election.

City Hall In Business

There's to be a business advice clinic today in Belfast City Hall to help those who have been made redundant or anyone simply looking for a new direction to take. 'New Directions' will be held in the Great Hall from noon to 2pm and will target anyone interested in starting up their own business, becoming self-employed or going in a different business direction. A range of business support and training organisations will be attendance throughout the lunchtime period.

Silent Running

Translink has launched a new rail safety campaign to coincide with the testing of its new fleet of trains. A spokesman said: "If you live near a railway track or use a railway crossing, you should be extra vigilant. The new Class 4000 trains may be on the track at any time, and especially during the night. They said the new high speed trains are quieter than current ones and that means people should be cautious when near railway lines. They will be doing speeds of up to 90 miles per hour."

Benefit Frauds Pay Up

Four people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Donna Browne (31) of Summerhill Mews, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £149 while failing to declare she was working. She was fined £150 and ordered to pay court costs of £31. Pauline McAllister (40) of Tyndale Grove, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £703 while failing to declare she was working. She was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £31. James Hall (22) Of Grainon Way, Newtownabbey claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £575 while failing to declare he was working. He was fined £150 and ordered to pay court costs of £31. Barry Downey (25) of Queens Parade, Belfast was given a nine month probation order and ordered to pay court costs of £19 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance and Income Support totalling £156.

(BMcC/KMcA)