High Flyers Rewarded

Pupils from across NI reached for the sky this week at the final of Bombardier Aeropace's annual school competition, The Flight Experience Challenge. Linked to Bombardier's extensive educational programme, which promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects, the competition provides a practical learning experience for schoolchildren. Entrants were challenged to design, build and fly a self-propelled model aircraft using recyclable, everyday objects. The prizes for the winning teams included an action-packed trip to London, taking in visits to the Science Museum, London Eye and a West End show, as well as £1,000 for their respective schools. A special award this year, sponsored by Aer Lingus, went to the team whose model aircraft flew the longest who will have the opportunity to pilot an Aer Lingus flight simulator at Dublin Airport. Pictured receiving their winning certificates from David Molloy, Vice President, Human Resources, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, are Fleming Fulton School pupils, Jason Browning and Lindsay Cunningham who were among the four winning schools.

Con Kerr Suspects Questioned

The two suspects held by police investigating the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr in Omagh are still being questioned. A 26-year-old man was arrested in Scotland on Wednesday under the terrorism act and re-arrested on Thursday in connection with the policeman's killing. Meanwhile a 40-year-old man was detained after his van was stopped between Omagh and Ballygawley on Wednesday morning. The detention was linked to a significant arms haul - including suspected Semtex and Kalashnikov rifles - that was recovered by detectives in Brockagh near Coalisland.

Booze Talking

A Lithuanian, who lives at a hostel, has pleaded guilty to charges of threatening to kill and assault on the member of staff in a Tesco store in Belfast. Valdas Draskinis, 36, was also banned from Tesco Metro after he went for the victim having consuming "a huge amount of alcohol". Belfast Magistrates' Court heard he went into the store on Royal Avenue on Tuesday and approached the security guard. Draskinis said to the victim "I kill you" as he tried to grab him around the head, a prosecution lawyer said. The defendant then raised his arm and repeated his threat, causing the man to flinch amid fears he was about to be struck. Following his arrest he told police he could not remember the incident due to the amount of drink taken. The court imposed a three months jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Streetscape Project In Larne

A streetscape scheme aimed at improving the appearance of Larne town centre is scheduled to start at the end of the month. Funded entirely by the Department for Social Development (DSD), the ReStore project is being steered by Larne Traders' Forum and Larne Borough Council in a bid to upgrade buildings and camouflage empty spaces in the area around the town. The Department of Social Development has set aside up to £150,000 for the upgrade as part of a two-year £137 million province wide urban regeneration programme. The initiative will include filling gaps in the street frontage with decorated hoarding, redecoration of premises and repair that will visually enhance the appearance of the street.

Benefit Fraud Woman Convicted

A woman was convicted at Londonderry Crown Court this week for claiming benefits she was not entitled to. Deborah O'Kane, 43, of Victoria Gate, Londonderry was given 80 hours community service and 12 months probation for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £42,021. She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

(BMcC/GK)