NEWS

Wrightbus CEO Axel J. Maschka meeting staff The newly appointed CEO of zero-emission public transport pioneer Wrightbus has brought together all 2,000 members of staff to share his strategic vision for the year ahead. Axel J. Maschka, who joined the Ballymena-based manufacturer from Hyundai Mobis at the beginning of December, addressed the workforce during a mass meeting on Wednesday (10 December). He opened by thanking employees for their contribution throughout 2025 but cau

Ulster Unionist MLA Jon Burrows has paid warm tribute to the people of North Antrim after what he described as an “overwhelming” response to this year’s Christmas Appeal in aid of the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital. Mr Burrows said he was “totally blown away by the generosity” shown by local residents, businesses, and community groups, whose contributions will provide vital support to the specialist palliative care facility. The annual appeal remains a cherished tra

Diane with her beloved girl Molly! A former stray dog who spent more than 700 days at Dogs Trust Ballymena is set to enjoy her first Christmas in a loving home after forming an unbreakable bond with her new owner. Ten-year-old Border Collie Molly arrived at Dogs Trust in June 2023 after being found wandering alone, with no clues to her previous life. Despite her uncertain past, staff quickly discovered a bright, affectionate dog who simply needed time, patience and trust to r

Tienán Heffron on stage Performing at the historic St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, this week for The King’s Trust Carol Concert Celebrities, supporters and rising musical talent gathered at the historic St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, this week for The King’s Trust Carol Concert in partnership with Cunard, with 25-year-old County Antrim singer Tiernán Heffron taking to the stage alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment. The event, filled with festive readings, l

North Antrim MP Jim Allister with TUV party colleague Timothy Gaston MLA, pictured with local staff at Royal Mail in Ballymena North Antrim MP Jim Allister has praised the dedication of postal workers in Ballymena following an early morning tour of the town’s Royal Mail sorting facility ahead of the festive rush. Mr Allister visited the operation with Timothy Gaston MLA , where he said he witnessed first-hand the efficiency of the centre as staff manage one of the busiest pe

Veronica Jackson, Level 4 Certificate in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience graduate and Northern Regional College staff member, pictured at the College’s Higher Education Graduation. Northern Regional College has celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 at its Higher Education and Access Graduation Ceremony, held on Thursday 4 December at Tullyglass House Hotel in Ballymena. The event brought together students, families, staff, govern

(L-R): Mick Campbell, Wrightbus Head of Sales (Key Accounts); NCT representatives Andy Thompson; Rob Sutcliffe; Anthony Carver-Smith; and David Conway; and John McLeister, Wrightbus MD of Sales for UK and Ireland. Ballymena-based manufacturer Wrightbus has completed six new ultra-low emission StreetDeck Ultroliner buses destined for the Midlands, following a partnership with Nottingham City Transport (NCT). The vehicles were recently inspected by NCT representatives during a

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, pictured with students and staff at Northern Regional College, Ballymena, along with Danielle Polkey, Eden Hair & Beauty, Darren Lyttle, Circle Creative Communications, Karl Scullion, Museco, and Christine Barnhill, Economic Development Officer, MEABC. Ballymena students have connected with some of Mid and East Antrim’s leading business figures during the borough’s final session of the innovative ‘Future Founders’ prog

Translink has urged passengers to plan ahead for festive travel as a series of adjusted Christmas and New Year timetables come into effect across Northern Ireland’s bus and rail services. The operator confirmed early finishes on key dates, full service cancellations on Christmas Day, and a range of special holiday timetables affecting NI Railways, Enterprise, Metro/Glider, Ulsterbus, Goldliner and airport express routes. A Translink spokesperson encouraged passengers to prepa

Ballymena is gearing up for a major festive celebration this Saturday, 13 December, as Santa’s Spectacular Festive Cavalcade returns for its third year—complete with hundreds of illuminated vehicles, charity fundraising, and the hugely popular Festive Minions bringing lively chaos to the town centre earlier in the day. The much anticipated Christmas convoy, which always attracts visitors from near and far, has rapidly become one of Ballymena’s standout seasonal events. Host

A Ballymena man has been handed a prison sentence for his role in the large-scale, race-motivated disorder that brought significant disruption and fear to the town in June this year. At Antrim Crown Court today, Tuesday 9 December, Jordan Benjamin McAuley was sentenced to two years and eight months’ imprisonment after being convicted of riot. Half of the term will be served in custody, with the remainder on licence. McAuley, from Ballymena, also received a three-month custodi

The Education Authority (EA) has issued further safety advice to schools across Northern Ireland today as Storm Bram continues to intensify, bringing hazardous winds and an upgraded amber weather warning to parts of the region. A spokesperson for the EA said: “All schools are advised to keep pupils indoors throughout the day and, if practical, to cancel after school activities.” Schools are also being encouraged to take a flexible approach to dismissal times due to the deteri

The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed that there are no plans for general school closures today despite the escalating weather situation as Storm Bram moves across Northern Ireland. A spokesperson for the EA said: “Following the escalation of the Storm Bram warning this morning, the Education Authority has discussed the situation with the Department. At this stage, it is not planned to issue general school closure notices.” “Instead, school principals are being encourag

Children in Ballymena are set for an extra dose of festive cheer this year as two local retailers announce a major Christmas giveaway featuring all 15 toys from the prestigious DreamToys 2025 list. Following the official unveiling of the highly anticipated selection, Smyths at Braidwater Retail Park and ToyTown in Fairhill Shopping Centre have teamed up to offer a dream prize for local youngsters — the full lineup of this year’s must-have toys, gadgets and games. The initia

Ronny McFall, Community Champion at Tesco Ballymena Tesco customers in Ballymena are being encouraged to help bring festive cheer to local children in need by donating new toys to The Salvation Army this Christmas. Until 15 December, the Tesco Ballymena Superstore is hosting a special collection point for new and unwrapped toys, which will be distributed to families across the local area by The Salvation Army. The organisation supports vulnerable people through homelessness s

Dogs Trust Ballymena is encouraging festive shoppers to consider a heartfelt and meaningful Christmas gift this year by sponsoring one of the charity’s dogs, including much-loved English Springer Spaniel, Zebedee. With Christmas preparations well underway, Dogs Trust’s ‘Sponsor A Dog Scheme’ provides an ideal present for the canine enthusiast in your life. A sponsorship not only supports the charity’s work caring for around 1,500 dogs at any one time, but also includes a rang

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland as Storm Bram — officially named by Met Éireann — is forecast to bring severe winds and heavy rain across the UK later on Monday and through Tuesday. The warning is in place from 9:00am to 9:00pm on Tuesday 9 December 2025, with forecasters urging the public to prepare for disruption to travel, power supplies and coastal areas. Storm Bram is expected to track close to western Ireland on Tuesday, generatin

Brie and cranberry is the elite festive flavour combo for me, and add it to some garlic bread, and you have the most unreal snack that is bound to be a crowd-pleaser! Jill Stewart ( @jillbakes_ ) INGREDIENTS… 1 garlic bread baguette Half a wedge of brie, sliced Cranberry sauce Grated cheddar or mozzarella INSTRUCTIONS… • Place the garlic bread on a sheet of greaseproof paper inside your air fryer or on a baking tray if using the oven. • Pull the slices apart gently. • Add abo

Oran Kearney, appointed Ballymena United first team manager Ballymena United Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Oran Kearney as the club’s new first team manager, marking a significant moment for the Sky Blues as they look to strengthen their position heading into the second half of the season. Kearney, 47, brings extensive managerial expertise to the Ballymena Showgrounds following successful spells at Limavady United, Coleraine and Scottish Premiership side St

Gavin and Elaine Lowry, with sons Timmy (left) and Joshua (right) A Ballymena family is rallying behind a much-loved father, husband, and classroom assistant as they take on an extraordinary endurance challenge to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and vital funds for the charity NIPANC (Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer). The event, organised by Gavin Lowry’s daughter-in-law Megan with support from wider family and friends, has already raised more than £3,000 — with hope