NEWS

The MEA DIY Bootcamp participants following the successful completion of the intensive hands-on programme. Nineteen residents from Mid and East Antrim have turned practical ambition into real achievement, celebrating the completion of an intensive DIY training programme with a showcase event at Larne Town Hall. Custom-built tables and bespoke lamps—designed and crafted entirely by participants—took centre stage as certificates were awarded, marking the culmination of the Mid

The team at work at Magilligan Tree Nursery in Magilligan Prison A unique tree nursery based within prison grounds is offering locally grown trees at reduced prices — with every order helping to support prisoner rehabilitation and protect Northern Ireland’s native environment. The Magilligan Tree Nursery, operated in partnership with the Northern Ireland Prison Service, has launched two special offers aimed at households, community groups and businesses alike. Buyers can now

Broadcaster Stephen Nolan in new BBC series Peelers: The PSNI – For Real A new BBC series promises to pull back the curtain on policing in Northern Ireland — with broadcaster Stephen Nolan embedded on the front line alongside officers tackling real-life incidents across Belfast. Peelers: The PSNI – For Real follows officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland as they respond to the pressures of modern policing — from street disorder and substance abuse to domestic vi

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, with members, families and supporters of Causeway Down’s Syndrome Support Group (CDSSG) during a visit highlighting its music therapy programme. A visit that began as a routine engagement quickly became something far more personal, as the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact of a local support group helping families across the Causeway and Ballymena areas. Councillor Oli

Presenter Stephen Watson, left, with Italy and Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola who is joining the BBC Sport NI team for coverage of Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy. Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream takes centre stage this week — and one of football’s most iconic names will be there to witness it. Italian legend Gianfranco Zola  is set to join BBC Sport NI’s live coverage as Michael O’Neill’s side face Italy in a crucial World Cup play-off semi-

Millions of UK workers who rely on their cars for their jobs could soon see long-overdue financial relief, as HM Treasury confirms a review of approved mileage rates ahead of a future Budget. The announcement, issued by the UK Government, comes after more than a decade without change—despite rising fuel, insurance and maintenance costs leaving many workers covering the gap themselves. Rates unchanged since 2011 Approved mileage allowance payment rates have remained frozen sin

The zebra crossing following the completion of upgrade works. (Inset) Ballymena councillor Rodney Quigley Independent Ballymena councillor Rodney Quigley has welcomed the completion of long-awaited safety upgrades to a busy zebra crossing at Braidwater Retail Park, following a series of collisions that raised concerns within the local community. The improvements, carried out at the crossing near Sainsbury’s garage, were completed today (Wednesday 25 March) and are aimed at ma

Pictured at the Company Showcase at Queen’s University Belfast Business School, Cullybackey College ahead of their pitch for Seed the Season to Judging Panel. A team of enterprising students from Cullybackey College is heading to Belfast City Hall with a chance to be crowned Northern Ireland’s top young business — after impressing judges with a sustainability-driven idea that’s already taking root. Their student company, Seed the Season , has been named among just six finalis

A major new UK Government strategy published today (Wednesday 25 March 2026) has warned that another pandemic is inevitable — and outlines how the country, including Northern Ireland, must prepare for a potentially far more complex global health crisis. The Pandemic Preparedness Strategy: building our capabilities sets out a decade-long plan to strengthen resilience across all four nations, with a strong focus on cross-border coordination, faster response systems, and protect

Three people have been taken to hospital following a three-vehicle road traffic collision in Crumlin that caused significant disruption during the morning commute. The incident happened on the Dundrod Road shortly after 8.15am on Wednesday, 25 March, prompting an emergency response and the closure of the route for several hours. Road closed for hours after collision The Dundrod Road was shut to traffic as emergency services attended the scene and dealt with the aftermath of t

Linzi Moore, an outstanding team member at EUROSPAR Cullybackey has taken the crown as the UK’s Sales Colleague of the Year at the prestigious Convenience Awards.  A familiar face in Cullybackey has earned national recognition after being crowned UK Sales Colleague of the Year at the prestigious Convenience Awards in Liverpool. Linzi Moore, a loss prevention co-ordinator at EUROSPAR Cullybackey, secured the top honour against competitors from across the UK — a moment that not

Families across Antrim and Glengormley are set for a treat this Easter as Bluey — the global children’s TV sensation — arrives on the big screen with a special cinema event designed to delight audiences of all ages. Landing in local cinemas on Friday 27 March, Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends Collection offers an hour-long experience packed with laughter, imagination and heart, just in time for the school holidays. A big-screen celebration of play, friendship and f

Pictured at Simon Community’s Ballymena temporary accommodation service are (left to right): Marianne McCaul, Senior Manager, Simon Community Ballymena; Colin Johnston, CEO, Galgorm Collection; and Harriett Roberts, Director of Growth & Management, Simon Community Northern Ireland. A long-standing partnership rooted in compassion and community impact has reached a powerful milestone, as Galgorm Collection celebrates 15 years of supporting people experiencing homelessness acro

Money taken from criminals is being channelled back into communities across Northern Ireland, with a fresh £389,000 funding boost set to support dozens of crime prevention projects. Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the additional investment through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS), bringing renewed momentum to efforts aimed at tackling crime and reducing the fear of crime at a local level. Turning criminal profits into community protection The funding—mad

Motorists across the Ballymena and Ballymoney areas faced disruption this morning after a series of road traffic collisions were reported on key routes, prompting police to urge drivers to seek alternative journeys. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that several incidents occurred on Wednesday 25 March, affecting both commuter and local traffic in the area. Series of collisions on Frosses Road Two separate collisions were reported on the Frosses Road in

(L-R): DoH Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar; Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Chief Nursing Officer, Professor Maria McIlgorm and Katy Rennick, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer. A major overhaul of how nursing and midwifery staffing is planned and delivered across Northern Ireland has been unveiled, as Health Minister Mike Nesbitt launches a refreshed policy framework designed to strengthen patient safety and support an overstretched workforce. The updated Delivering Care Policy Fra

Adam Kay pictured at the Doctors in Distress Plague along with Dr Emma Murtagh, Vice Chair (Policy) of RCGP NI and Dr Rose McCullagh, a Doctors in Distress Ambassador. (Photo credit Phil Smyth) A stark warning over the mental health crisis facing doctors in Northern Ireland has been amplified by bestselling author and former NHS doctor Adam Kay , who has described the lack of dedicated support as “nothing short of shameful”. The BAFTA-winning writer visited Belfast on Tuesday

Northern Ireland will be fully included in the UK’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, following a firm Government commitment secured during a House of Commons debate led by South Antrim MP Robin Swann. The former Health Minister pressed for clarity on whether the legislation would apply equally across all four nations, warning that consistency is crucial to protecting public health and avoiding divergence within the UK. ‘Common-sense’ legislation for future generations Speakin

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald pictured with the new regulations Northern Ireland is set to become the first region on these islands to provide paid leave for parents affected by miscarriage, in what has been described as a “meaningful difference” for thousands of families each year. From 6 April 2026, new regulations confirmed by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald will give working parents the right to take up to two weeks of paid leave following a miscarriage, ext

Inset: North Antrim MP Jim Allister A renewed push to improve safety and cleanliness in Ballymena town centre is underway, as North Antrim MP Jim Allister steps up efforts to support local businesses and restore confidence among shoppers and visitors. Working alongside Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Ballymena BID, the TUV leader has led a series of interventions aimed at tackling two of the most visible concerns in the town: police presence and street standards. Focus on s