Other NI News In Brief

Baby Tragedy Alert

The death of an 18-month-old baby in Co Antrim is being investigated and a man and a woman have been arrested after a tragic incident happened in the Ballymena area at the weekend. Social services have been informed. The pair were released on bail pending further inquiries, according to the police.

'Lost' Child Case Probed

Co Tyrone police officers, who used the simple expediency of following a lost child's footsteps to a house in the town to find where she lived, have begun an investigation after the five-year-old girl was found walking barefoot in the snow in Omagh. She was spotted alone in her pyjamas in the early hours of Thursday morning by shop workers who called the police. A man and a woman were arrested but have been released pending further inquiries. The police and social services are investigating.

Convicted Showman Faces Time

A strongman known as Big Dave has been found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting three young girls. The judge yesterday warned 66-year-old David Parkinson, from Main Street in Brookeborough, that he faced spending a considerable period of time in prison. The attacks took place between 1991 and 1995 when his victims were aged between six and nine.

Love Means 'Checking Cholesterol'

February 14th, Valentine's Day, is when people traditionally show their partner how much they mean to them, with one company urging they get their 'other half' to think of their heart and check their cholesterol. They said this is to give a very special gift - potentially of life - as cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in the UK, accounting for over 208,000 deaths annually. The Ballymena company, CIGA Healthcare, is therefore targeting 'lovers' to undertake a home cholesterol test and help keep their hearts from 'breaking' at the same time. SureSign Home Testing Cholesterol tests can be found in most pharmacies across Northern Ireland and in Tesco's, Sainsbury's and Asda.

A5 Dualling Probed

A series of public consultation events are to be held to discuss the proposed dualling of the A5 between Londonderry and Aughnacloy, it has been announced. NI Roads Minister Conor Murphy said the events will provide interested parties with an update and give people an opportunity for comment. He said: "Roads Service is currently developing route options within the preferred corridor and are keen to gather as much information as possible that will help in making decisions regarding the best route for the A5 dual carriageway.

Balmoral Show Food 'Growing'

The Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show will increase in size by 22% this year. Over 20 exhibitors will be present in the Food Pavilion during the prestigious Royal Ulster Agricultural Show, including Mash Direct, Taylor's Ice Cream, Cooley Distillery, Clandeboye Yoghurt, Forthill Farm Meats as well as Good Food is in our Nature who have substantially increased the size of their space for the 2009 Show. Last year as part of the DARD Diversification Programme Forthill Farm Meats were awarded a stand within the Food Pavilion free of charge but they have decided to purchase a stand for themselves this year. "I champion the idea of cutting out the middleman between producers and consumers," said Kenny Gracey, owner of Forthill Farm Meats. "The Food Pavilion supports and is key promoter of this ethos. Last year's Show was an absolute success for us as a new business, it offered the perfect situation where we could meet potential customers face to face and allow them to both see and taste our produce."

Coalisland Boosted

lmost one quarter of a million pounds is to be invested in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, to improve the area's general appearance, it has been revealed. The works will include a major street light scheme and other environmental projects. Announcing the funding, Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie said £148,235 would be made available from her department, with the Regional Development Department topping up the rest, making a total investment of £226,352. The work is expected to begin early this year.

(BMcC)