Other NI News In Brief

Royal Millinery On Show

A colourful and diverse collection of over 20 hats worn by Her Majesty the Queen between 1970 and 2010 will be on display at Hillsborough Castle from 1st to 27th August. The hats designed by top British milliners can be seen as part of the normal summer tour programme at Hillsborough. Two were worn on official visits to Northern Ireland whilst another was worn by the Queen (pictured here in Belfast by Brian McCalden) to Prince William's passing out parade at Sandhurst. The collection is normally housed at Buckingham Palace and this is the first time it has been on display and has come to Northern Ireland. Following the display at Hillsborough Castle the collection will once again return to Buckingham Palace. The Castle will be open to the public for general tours from August 1st until 27th August and all tours must be booked in advance by ringing 02892682244 or 02892689406.

Cigarette Factory Man Dies

The man critically injured in an industrial accident in Ballymena on Monday morning has died. He was fatally injured after a piece of machinery fell on him as it was being serviced. It happened at the JTI plant - former Gallaher plant - in the Co Antrim town. The Health and Safety Executive NI, that is investigating the cirumstances, said today: "It has been informed by the PSNI that the injured party has passed away this morning." See: Ballymena Cigs Factory Accident Probed

All Freed On Kerr Case

The 23-year-old woman arrested as part of the investigation into the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr has been released. Five men arrested in a number of raids involving 200 police officers across three counties were earlier released from custody. Constable Kerr was killed by a car bomb outside his home in Omagh on 2 April.

Cadets Back Blind Troops

Army cadets from Co Antrim will be pushing a bed for charity this weekend as the service youngsters and cadet adults and officers walk the 13 miles to Carrickfergus Castle to raise money for the service charity, St Dunstans, who care for blind and partially blinded veterans. They will start from Glengormley's Earlview Primary School on Saturday at 9am as part of the UK-wide cadet challenge. The cadets will be accompanied by veterans from St Dunstans along the route, with support from local soldier, Andy Allen who was seriously injured in Afghanistan and works for the charity.

Milk Cup Welcome To All

Players and spectators from around the world have been welcomed to Northern Ireland as this year's Milk Cup in Coleraine and district reaches it's finale on Friday. With matches played in 14 grounds across the four local council areas of Coleraine, Ballymena, Limavady and Ballymoney, the tournament brings many players, coaches, and tournament officials, along their families to the north coast. NI Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster joined football fans to say that it has become a key event in the sporting calendar. "This year's tournament has brought together over 20 countries, and it gives Northern Ireland a chance to show to all our visitors the warmth and hospitality for which we are renowned," she said.

'Poor Report' Welcomed

The Stormont Junior Ministers Jonathan Bell and Martina Anderson have launched a report highlighting how poorer people pay more for everyday essentials. The Consumer Council report, 'The Price of Being Poor', exposes the harsh reality that many consumers already living in poverty, pay more for essentials such as energy and transport. It identifies how the disadvantage suffered by consumers living in poverty can be best tackled and outlines practical actions needed to make a difference to vulnerable consumers. Key areas of concern include: financial exclusion; transport; fuel poverty; shoppers' rights and responsibilities and the cost of complaining. Junior Minister Bell said: "The most vulnerable people in society should not be asked to pay more or get a worse deal. It is essential to mitigate against the pain that consumers are continuing to face as a result of the current economic climate." Junior Minister Martina Anderson, said: "We are undoubtedly facing very difficult financial times and it is unfair that people who have less, often end up paying more for daily essentials. It will require real effort and commitment from the stakeholders identified in the report to make positive changes."

Insuring Success

Belfast-based Adelaide Insurance Services (AIS) is investing over £5m towards growth in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain insurance markets, with support from Invest Northern Ireland. AIS is aiming to double its sales, workforce and profits by the end of 2011. The insurance broker is a specialist provider of car, home and motorcycle insurance and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cornmarket Group Financial Services Limited based in the Irish Republic. Their business plans to create a total of 41 new high quality financial services jobs as part of its expansion project, 25 of which are already in place. Invest NI offered AIS £165,000 towards the investment.

(BMcC/GK)