Masserene Arrest

The murders of Sappers Quinsey, 23, from Birmingham and Azimkar, 21, from Wood Green, London - who were killed by the Real IRA outside their barracks at Masserene in Antrim as they collected pizzas - have lead to a fresh arrest. The PSNI revealed that a 44-year-old was arrested in Toomebridge, on Tuesday morning. He is being questioned at Antrim police station. The two Royal Engineers soldiers were shot dead in March 2009 and a number of other people were injured. Two men, Brian Shivers, from Maghera, and Colin Duffy, from Lurgan, have been charged with the murders after gunmen in a car parked nearby opened fire with rifles.

Marathon Looms

With 15 weeks to go to the 2010 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon, organisers have issued a timely reminder to runners about the importance of not only being fit for the challenge but also being properly 'fitted out'. "It's essential that everyone taking part – whether running the full distance, doing a leg of the relay or doing the walk - has the right footwear to help them go the distance," said Event Manager, Claire O'Reilly, noting that, from Wednesday through until next Tuesday, Up And Running Belfast will be offering free expert gait analysis – worth £20 – at their Wellington Place shop, to help determine the correct level of cushioning and stability needed in your shoes to optimise your running style.

Nesbitt To Stand?

One of NI's four Victims Commissioners, former UTV anchorman, Mike Nesbitt, is not commenting on newspaper reports that he might be a parliamentary candidate for the UUP in the next Westminster election. Reports suggested that Mr Nesbitt may stand in the Strangford constituency after the DUP's Iris Robinson resigned as the Strangford MP.

Youngest Sheriff For City

Councillor Christopher Stalford has been sworn in as the youngest ever High Sheriff of Belfast. The traditional swearing in ceremony was held at City Hall – just one day after Councillor Stalford celebrated his 27th birthday. Councillor Stalford, a member of the Democratic Unionist Party and is the 110th High Sheriff of the County of Belfast. Historically, the sheriff's role has been that of protector of the monarch's interests: the appointment has been made by the Secretary of State, based on a nomination from Belfast City Council. Councillor Stalford was elected to represent the Laganbank area of south Belfast in May 2005, when he became the youngest ever person to be elected to Belfast City Council.

Boy Arrested

A 10-year-old boy was arrested after police came under attack on Sunday evening in the republican heartland of Ardoyne. Officers were investigating a report of stone-throwing in the Bray Court area, near Ardoyne, when stones were thrown at their vehicles. The windows of a police Land Rover and saloon car were broken and a car belonging to a member of the public, which was parked at nearby Crumlin Road, was also damaged.

No Kidding!

Sheep and goat keepers are reminded that they must return their Annual Inventory card to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). This applies to all currently registered flock keepers even if they had no sheep or goats on their holding, at the period of the inventory. The card, which was issued to flock keepers in November 2009, must be returned to DARD immediately. However, flock keepers who have not returned their inventory card will be sent a reminder along with a replacement card within the next few days. Those who have lost or misplaced their card can obtain a copy from their local DARD Direct Office.

Kitchen Designer Up For Award

A Co Fermanagh kitchen designer has been named as a finalist in a coveted industry award. Peter Leonard, of Ballygawley-based firm Greenhill Kitchen Innovations, is up for the 2010 KBB (Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms) Industry Award. He previously scooped the honour in 2007. Mr Leonard, who beat off competition from around 300 entrants to claim a place on the final shortlist, is also a selector on the Fermanagh senior GAA team. The winner of the British Isles-wide award will be announced in March, at a Gala presentation night in Birmingham.

(BMcC/GK)