NEWS

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued an urgent appeal for households to prioritise fire safety following two fatal house fires attended within a matter of hours. Firefighters were called to two separate incidents on Friday, 12 December 2025, both of which resulted in the tragic loss of life. The incidents, which occurred in Belfast and Bangor, are currently under investigation. The first incident was reported at 10.55am, when firefighters from Westlan

Northern Ireland consumers are leading the UK in festive confidence, early planning and online purchasing, according to PwC’s latest Festive Predictions Survey —which reveals the region is bucking national spending trends this Christmas. One in three Northern Irish consumers (31%) plans to spend more on gifts, food, and celebrations this year, more than double the UK average of 15%. Only 4% expect to reduce their festive spending, compared to 14% across the UK, signalling str

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has announced a series of festive service changes to ensure bin collections, recycling centres and key public facilities continue running smoothly over the Christmas and New Year period. A Council spokesperson said the temporary adjustments have been introduced “as we come together to celebrate the season,” adding: “These temporary adjustments to bin collections, recycling centres and public facilities will help ensure our services continu

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland, with forecasters cautioning that “periods of heavy rain may lead to travel disruption and some flooding” between 00:00 on Sunday 14 December and 06:00 on Monday 15 December 2025. According to the warning, “outbreaks of rain will affect Northern Ireland Sunday and clear away on Monday morning.” The rain is expected to be “heavy and persistent at times with accumulations of 20–30 mm expected to develop

Missing man: 56-year-old Bryn Williams Police and the family of missing Groomsport man Bryn Williams have issued a renewed appeal for information as concern for the 56-year-old’s welfare continues to grow. Mr Williams was last seen in his home town on Saturday, 6th December, with his final contact with family occurring at around 6pm. He is described as approximately 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, with dark hair. Family’s plea: “We just want him home safe in time for Christmas”

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

Detectives have launched an attempted murder investigation after a man in his 70s was savagely beaten in his Keady home before the property was set alight on Thursday night. The terrifying attack unfolded at around 7.35pm in Newry on 11 December, when six masked men armed with bats forced their way into the living room of the man’s house on Clay Road. Police say the intruders beat the pensioner repeatedly, continuing the assault as he lay defenceless on the floor. During the

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on all eligible people to get their flu vaccine “without delay”, warning that cases and hospital admissions are rising sharply in Northern Ireland in the run-up to Christmas. Nearly 500,000 flu vaccines have already been administered this season, but the latest respiratory surveillance data shows a significant increase in flu activity across all monitored age groups and healthcare settings. Confirmed cases have climbed from 988 to 1

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

Ahead of Christmas 2025, the Post Office has shared new research that reveals rising demand and a growing number of people leaving festive sending to the last minute. The organisation is urging the public to post early, with fresh data showing that more people plan to send gifts this year compared with 2024 (33 per cent in 2025 vs 20 per cent in 2024). The Post Office says early planning is essential to avoid queues, reduce last-minute stress and ensure parcels arrive before

Toomebridge-based manufacturer Uform has pledged its support to Cancer Fund for Children through a new strategic charity partnership aimed at helping families affected by childhood cancer this Christmas and beyond. Cancer Fund for Children provides vital emotional, social and therapeutic support to children and young people diagnosed with cancer, as well as to their families. For many, the impact of a diagnosis extends far beyond medical treatment, affecting mental health, ed

Fionntán McGarvey As the countdown to Christmas begins, one Belfast family is urging people across Northern Ireland to talk openly about organ donation — a conversation they say helped them honour their teenage son’s final wishes and save the lives of others. On Organ Donation Discussion Day, Thursday 11 December, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging households to take a moment to consider their decision about organ and tissue donation and share that choice with love

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

With Christmas fast approaching, the Consumer Council has published a series of practical travel tips designed to help passengers prepare for smooth and stress-free journeys over the festive season. The organisation is urging travellers across Northern Ireland to plan ahead—whether flying from local airports, sailing, or using public transport—to avoid unnecessary delays at one of the busiest times of the year. Michelle Kelly, Head of Transport Policy at the Consumer Council,

Planning permission has been granted for the partial demolition of Castle Mall in Antrim and the development of new social housing on the site. The proposal, which will see the construction of 39 dwellings in the town centre, was approved at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee at Mossley Mill on Monday evening, December 8. The new development, to be delivered for Choice Housing, will comprise one detached house, 14 terrace homes and 24 ap

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