Other News In Brief

Gately Remembered

TV and media stars have turned out to pay tribute to Stephen Gately at a concert in memory of the late Boyzone singer, who died last month. Crowds of fans gathered in the rain outside the Palace Theatre in London for the event, organised by Gately's partner Andrew Cowles. Former band mates attended the private concert, as did Gately's parents and former PM's wife Cherie Blair. The 33-year-old Irish star died of natural causes at his home on Majorca.

Cardiff Police Probe River Body Find

South Wales Police are asking for help from the public in identifying a middle-aged man whose body was found in a river in Cardiff city centre. The remains were discovered in the River Taff next to Sophia Gardens at 9.30am on Saturday. The man was white, aged 35 and 45, 5ft 8in (1.7m) tall and of large build. He had blue eyes, brown receding hair and a full greying beard and moustache. Police also said he was wearing black trousers and a black top. Anyone who can help police identify the man is asked to contact Cardiff Bay CID on 02920527420 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Caravan 'Wash-out'

More heavy rain has caused flooding in towns and villages across North Yorkshire. About a dozen people were rescued by firefighters from three caravan parks on the banks of the River Nidd in Knaresborough on Sunday night. Crews took them by boat to an emergency centre in the town. They also rescued a couple with a young child trapped in a car at Moreton-on-Swale, Northallerton. The fire service attended 15 flooding incidents across the county, including several homes in Pateley Bridge.

Magners Buys Gaymer

The maker of Magners cider, C&C, has bought the UK cider brands Blackthorn, Olde English and Gaymer. As part of a £45m deal, the Dublin-based drinks group has also acquired a range of budget and own-label ciders from Constellation Brands. The deal includes a cider production facility in Somerset, and a distribution warehouse in Bristol.

C&C said the move would improve its position in the UK market, particularly in the off-licence trade.

Fine After Girl Killed By Boulder

A company has been convicted and fined for failing to provide and maintain a suitable barrier around the boundary of a quarry where a 13-year old schoolgirl died. On 26 April 2007, Amber Worth from Brierley, in Barnsley, and her friends gained access to Carlton Main Brickworks Limited at Carlton Brick, Clayburn Road, Grimethorpe, Barnsley, which had no security fence or barrier. She was killed almost instantly when a boulder weighing almost half a tonne became dislodged and fell on top of her. The operator pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for its failure to provide and maintain a suitable barrier around the boundary of the quarry, which is situated behind the brickworks. At a sentencing hearing at Sheffield Crown Court, Carlton Main Brickworks Ltd was fined £25,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £22,833.

Burns Cottage Reopened

Robert Burns' Cottage was re-opened last week following a £1 million renovation of the historic site. The building now features a new Education Pavillion where people can learn more about the National Bard. The cottage is a key part of the National Trust for Scotland's £21 million Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Project, which is due for completion next year and was the starting point for this year's Homecoming celebrations. The Scottish First Minister re-opened the cottage and announced £2.1 million of additional support for the project, bringing total investment in the project by the Scottish government to £7.6m.

(BMcC/KMcA)