McLAUGHLIN (née Brolly), Elizabeth (Betty), Died peacefully in Altnagelvin Hospital, Rest in peace. Beloved wife of Johnny, loving mother of Paul, Sean, Brian, Gavin, Sinead and David. Dear sister of Rosemary Dore, Noreen Coyle, Jennifer Creg, Brian, Noel and the late John (RIP). Funeral from her late residence 204 Finvola Park, Dungiven BT47 4ST on Wednesday, for 11am Requiem Mass in St. Patricks Church Dungiven, with interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Deeply regretted by her husband, sons, daughter, sisters, brothers, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren and entire family and circle of friends. House private please from 11pm until 10am. St Pio prayer for her.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

James McClean is a major doubt for the Republic of Ireland's crucial Nations League game this week after suffering what appears to be a broken arm this morning.

The former Derry City winger took to Instagram, posting a picture of his left arm in a cast saying 'next step surgery... one of those things'. Ireland were training behind closed doors this morning at their Dublin base.

The Republic will face Wales on Thursday in their Nations League opener - the same country that McClean famously scored against to secure a World Cup play-off for Ireland.

McClean will also miss out on a friendly game with Poland, which will take place in Wroclaw next Thursday.

Former Derry man Shane Duffy is also in Martin O'Neill's squad.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents to take up the offer of the HPV vaccine for their daughters aged 12-13.

As the new school year gets under way, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, which reduces the risk of cervical cancer, will again be routinely offered to girls in years 9 and 10 in schools across Northern Ireland.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “We urge parents of girls who are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine to make sure that they get it to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they are older.

“Our latest figures show a reduction in the levels of uptake of the vaccine here, despite the fact that it helps protect girls from developing cervical cancer when they are adults. The vaccine is offered to girls in years 9 and 10 through a school-based programme and provides the best protection against the disease.

“With women in Northern Ireland having a 1 in 10 chance of being diagnosed with changes to the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer at some point in their lives, we want parents to see this vaccine as a simple step that could save their daughter’s life further down the line, as it can reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer by over 70%.”

The vaccine is offered to girls in year 9, with a chance to catch up on any missed doses in year 10. The school health teams will be offering the opportunity for girls in years 9 and 10 to be vaccinated in September and again after Easter. For the vaccine to work, two injections are needed within a 12 month period. It’s important that girls have both vaccinations to get the best protection.

“Uptake of the vaccine has decreased recently, however it is relatively high in Northern Ireland compared with other jurisdictions,” added Dr Jessop.

“Cervical cancer can kill so we are fortunate to be able to offer teenage girls the HPV vaccine to help protect against it. Girls should be receiving consent forms for the vaccination over the next few weeks and I would urge all parents or guardians to talk to their daughters about the importance of getting the vaccine and ensure that all eligible girls complete the course of vaccines when offered in school.

“This is the tenth year that the vaccine has been available in the UK, and decreases in pre-cancerous lesions in the cervix and in genital warts have already been seen. It is estimated that the level of protection offered by the vaccine will last for at least 10 years and probably protection will be lifelong.”

Each year around 90 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Northern Ireland, with an average of 22 women dying from the disease.

In addition, 1,225 cases of cervical cancer in situ are diagnosed each year. This is where some cells of the cervix have pre-cancerous changes, which could lead to cancer if not treated.

This vaccine helps protect against two virus types that cause over 70% of cervical cancer. The vaccine won’t protect against the remaining cancer-causing types, so it’s vital that women still go for routine cervical screening (smear tests) to check for cancer.

The HPV vaccine is the first step girls can take to help protect themselves against cervical cancer. Once they reach the age of 25 the next step is to go for three-yearly smear tests.

For further information about the vaccine see http://pha.site/Yk65 or contact the school nurse directly.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A young Derry woman with Down Syndrome is about to achieve her dream of having her first ever art exhibition.

Tori McNeill always enjoyed drawing at school, but it was not until she started art lessons two years ago that her flair for painting came to light.

In her first lesson with art facilitator Karen Torley, of the Banyan theatre company, she produced two striking images of animals silhouetted against a sunset.

“She loved art from a very young age and it would always have been her favourite subject at school,” explained Tori’s mum Dara McNeill.

“I’m not sure where her talent came from because I haven’t an artistic bone in my body, but her father is very into music so maybe she gets her creative side from him,” she laughed.

Tori is also a talented photographer and takes pictures of well-known land marks like the Fanad Light House and Derry’s Peace Bridge, which she then recreates in water colour.

“The pieces can take anything from an hour up to nine hours depending on the level of detail” Karen added.

“She can paint in so many different styles. Some are abstract and some are more detailed.

“She goes through different phases, but landscapes are her favourite.

“Tori’s signature style is colour. People always seem to comment on how the colours are so vivid and bold.”

Tori and Karen have now set up a Facebook page ‘Art by Tori’ which quickly established a strong online following and she has since sold several paintings and been commissioned to paint several more.

“From there we thought that we should do an exhibition,” said Karen.

“The Waterside Theatre are very good at supporting aspiring artists and we now have 50 paintings all ready to go and all framed.”

Tori is currently in her second year of a transitional course at the North West Regional College and is also a member of the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust (FDST) where she is able to take part in music, art, photography and gardening.

“FDST try to do things that the members are interested in,” said Dara.

“They have been a great support to Tori throughout her life amd I feel like she is living her dream at the minute.”

“Tori can sometimes find social situations difficult, but this has given her so much confidence, through answering people on her Facebook page and talking to people about her art when she is out and about.

“I think it will give other people hope that they can achieve their dreams.

Dara added: “All any parent wants for their kids is for them to be happy and she is so happy when she is painting.”

Tori's show will take place at The Waterside Theatre from Friday, September 7 to Friday, September 21.

There will be an opening night event this Friday, September 7 from 7pm to 9pm.

The theatre is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday and on the evening of theatre performances.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A long-standing member of staff at a Derry community centre has retired after a quarter of a century.

Patricia (Pat) McGeehan has held a variety of jobs at the Carnhill Resource Centre over 25 years she has worked there.

Staff gathered at the centre on Friday to bid her a fond farewell, and look back on a career which has seen Pat hold down a number of posts in the organisation.

“She has been a carer, a hairdresser and even worked in our shop,” explained Betty Feeney of the Board of Directors.

“Like many of us she has been here since time immemorial.

“I like to tell people that I stared working here since I was 11,” she joked.

The Resource Centre was established in 1974 above a shop on the Racecourse Road to serve the rapidly expanding new community in Carnhill.

In those days, the estate was seen as a rural area and did not even have a bus service.

In June 1984 the centre moved into its current home in the Carnhill Housing Estate, with a loan of £26,500 from the Sisters of Mercy,

The centre offers a huge variety of services from welfare rights advice to meals on wheels.

“We even had our own catering service and Pat would have been our maître d',” laughed Mrs Feeney

In 2016 the centre underwent a huge facelift thanks to funding from the Northside Development Trust.

Now in its 44th year, the centre continues to address the needs and challenges faced by those in the local community, thanks to committed staff like Pat.

“The thing for us here is that we have always served the whole of the city our service extends to people outside of Carnhill, be that in the city side or the Waterside, so Pat would be well known across the city,” added Mrs Feeney.

“The board of Directors would like to wish her well and we hope that she will not be a stranger.

“She will be missed big time.

“We would always say we are like a family and we have our ups and downs but we are always there for each other.”

“Pat loves her holidays and she will be heading off now with her husband Frankie for a well-earned break.”

Mrs Feeney continued: “She will certainly will be missed but she has promised us she will come back and do a bit of volunteering.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Residents in a street in Derry fear their privacy will be impacted after the removal of a high fence between them and new housing development.

The palisade fence had separated Virginia Court from the site of the former Immaculate Conception College site, where Apex Housing have recently built 78 new houses.

It has now been removed in places and replaced with a lower fence and a gateway.

A local resident, who does not wish to be named, said he was given a verbal assurances at a public consultation held by Apex around 18 months ago that the fence would remain in its entirety.

“We were told there was a possibility they would be putting in a gate but we said we wanted the boundary fence to be kept up in its entirety,” he told the Derry News.

“We were told it would be retained, but they have now taken parts of the fence down and put in a gate.

“The new fence is at least three feet lower, I could climb over if I wanted to.”

A spokesperson for Apex Housing told the Derry News that the new fence and gate are in compliance with planning approval issued for the development.

“Apex is erecting a new section of high quality railings and a gate to the side of an existing open space in accordance with the planning approval for this scheme,” the spokesperson said.
“The opening and closing of the gate will be managed by Apex.

“The existing palisade fence is being retained when it sits alongside existing homes and we will use a variety of methods to lessen its impact in a residential environment.

“Apex has to comply with the statutory planning approval and this was made clear in our consultations with the community.”

The new £6,474,000 development at the Immaculate Conception site will link the road network from Corrody Road to Trench Road and will be allocated to people on the housing list from October.
It will comprise of 38 two-bedroom houses, 20 three bedroom houses, 12 one bedroom apartments, three complex needs bungalows, one complex needs house and four four-bedroom houses.

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If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A walk aimed at remembering those who have lost their battle with addiction was held in honour of a Derry man who passed away last year.

The ‘Walk of Hope’, organised by Heal the Hurt, took place on Derry’s Walls on Saturday, in remembrance of Terence ‘Butch’ Crawley, who passed away in December 2017.

Heal the Hurt, which was founded in 2016 by Derry man Liam Stewart, offers free counselling to those suffering from the effects of alcohol and drug abuse.

Speaking to the Derry News, Mr Stewart said Saturday’s walk was also aimed at sending out a message to those suffering from addiction that Heal the Hurt would ‘stand with them’, and help them in their battle.

“We wanted to remember every single person who has lost their battle with addiction,” he said.

“We also wanted to show families that regardless of the stigma associated with addiction, we will stand with them, and we will be there for them.

“There is an epidemic here locally which is taking the lives of our loved ones, and we believe that our city is dealing with a mental health crisis.”

Mr Stewart continued that they have moved into a new premise due to increase in demand for their services, which opened its doors on Monday.

“The numbers pf people coming to us reached the point where we could no longer cope – there’s simply wasn’t enough space for everyone to fit into the room,” he added.

“We’ve now secured a room at Northside Shopping Centre and hopefully we can keep that until Christmas.”

He added that in addition to helping those suffering from addiction, Heal the Hurt also provides support to those helping loves ones deal with the substance and alcohol abuse.

“We host a ‘Friends and Family’ session on a Wednesday, which is continuing to grow,” he said.

“Families are often forgotten about when a loved one has an addiction, and there needs to be a support network there for them too.”

You can find out more about Heal the Hurt through the group’s Facebook page, or contact them on 07783910072.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

McCANN (Cullion), 4th September 2018 Gerard R.I.P. beloved son of Harry and Kathleen and loving brother of Michael, Patrick, Cathy, Bernadette and Emmet. Funeral from his home, 73 Inniscarn Road, on Thursday at 10.15am for 11.00am Requiem Mass in Church of St Patrick Keenaught, interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery. St Gerard pray for him. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing father, mother, brothers, sisters, brother in law John Paul, sisters in law Lisa, Olivia and Mairead, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and extended family circle.

O'TOOLE, Marie, 4th September 2018 R.I.P. peacefully at Altnagevin Hospital (Ex Secretary of St Cecilia’s College) formerly of Tyrconnell Street and 8 Creggan Street, Derry, beloved wife of the late Terence (Terry) loving mother of Helena, Brian and Terence and a much loved grandmother and great grandmother. Funeral from her daughter’s home, 1 Gort Na Sí Close, Steelstown Road on Thursday at 9.25 am for 10 o’clock Requiem Mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral. Interment afterwards in the city cemetery. Family time please between 10 pm and 11 am. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers if wished to the Chest Heart and Stroke Association, North West Office, Springtown Industrial Estate, Ballinska Road, Derry, BT48 0LY. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for her. St Anthony Pray for Her.

McHENRY, Brendan (Upper Feeny) 4th September 2018 Peacefully at Home. Beloved son of the late James and Margaret , Loving brother of Kevin and the late Jim , Mick , John , Dennis , Anthony , Frank , Peter and Mary R.I.P. Funeral leaving his late residence 21, Mullaghmesh Road, Feeny on Friday 7th (inst) at 10.15am for 11.00am Requiem Mass in St. Joseph’s Church Fincarn. Burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Deeply regretted by his brother Kevin , friend Rosie and all his friends. Padre Pio Pray for Him. Family time from 11pm until 10am Please.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The PSNI said that plain clothes police officers in Derry yesterday were part of an operation working in partnership with local businesses to clamp down on shoplifting, drug related activity and anti-social behaviour.

PSNI Foyle shared this post on their Facebook page explaining what the plain clothes officers were doing:

'Did you notice these dodgy looking characters around the City Centre today? If you did it was police from local policing team 4 in plain clothes. We were working in partnership with local businesses to disrupt shop lifting, drug activity and anti-social behaviour. Why were we there? Because retail crime, drug use and anti-social behaviour are issues that matter to you. As a result of the patrol, one adult male was reported to the PPS for an indecency offence.

'If you see suspicious activity or know of anyone involved in drugs, please let us know. Call 999 in emergencies and 101 for non-emergencies. Alternatively you can call crime stoppers and report this anonymously on 0800 555 111.'

A video circulated on Facebook yesterday of a young man being searched by the undercover officers after returning a pound coin to his friend as the snooker hall they had intended to visit was shut.

Police told the young man that he was being searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act as they suspected that he had actually passed was drugs.

However, the local lad had no evidence of any drugs on his person.

Pictured above: The plain clothes police officers whop were operating in Derry yesterday.

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Derry's life in division four looks set begin with an away clash against Antrim in January next year, following the release of the provisional fixtures for the 2019 season.

The hurlers will open with a home game against Ulster Finals Down.

NHL Division 4

Round 1 - Antrim v DERRY – Sunday 27th January

Round 2 – DERRY vs London – Sunday 3rd February

Round 3 – Waterford vs DERRY – Sunday 10th February

Round 4 – DERRY vs Wicklow – Sunday 24th Februry

Round 5 – Limerick vs DERRY – Sunday 3rd March

Round 6 – DERRY vs Leitrim – Saturday 16th March

Round 7 – DERRY vs Wexford – Sunday 24th March

NHL Division 2B

Round 1 – Down vs DERRY – Sunday 27th January

Round 2 – DERRY vs Donegal – Sunday 3rd February

Round 3 – Kildare vs DERRY – Saturday 16th February

Round 4 – Warwickshire vs DERRY - Sunday 24th February

Round 5 – DERRY vs Wicklow – Sunday 3rd March

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A Derry man will be sentenced next month for a series of driving offences which resulted in damage to road furniture valued at more than £6,000.

Darren Sheerin (35) of O'Casey Court in Derry appeared at the local Magistrate's Court where he faced a series of driving offences including driving while unfit and aggravated vehicle taking on January 1.

The court heard that at 6am police received a report of an road traffic accident at Beallachmor Lower where a male driver was said to have run off.

They investigated and found a car with damage to the front, damage to a crash barrier and a lamp post had been knocked over.

Police were told that the driver had been wearing a green and white Celtic top and had been bleeding.
A short time later the defendant's mother contacted police to say her son wanted to hand himself in for the accident.

When police went to the address they found Sheerin 'clearly intoxicated' with cuts on his arm and wearing a bloodstained shirt.

The car belonged to a friend of the defendant.

The court was told that the total damage due to the accident was put at more than £6,000.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that due to the amount of damage caused a pre-sentence report was required.

Sheerin will be sentenced on October 12.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A 30-year-old man who has been addicted to cannabis since the age of thirteen, was jailed for twelve months at Derry Crown Court today when he pleaded guilty to a single charge of supplying the drug to a group of friends.

Darragh Bradley of Brookdale Park in Derry admitted committing the offence over a seven month period starting in June of last year.

A prosecution barrister told Judge Philip Babington that Bradley's then home at Brookdale Park was searched by police officers in an intelligence led operation on February 6 of this year.

Bradley told the officers he had a small amount of cannabis in his kitchen and when he was arrested he replied "no sweat".

Inside the house the police found a grinder containing cannabis remnants as well as a number of deal bags which also contained cannabis remnants.

When asked if he had a mobile phone Bradley told the police he had just dumped it in a bin.

The bin was searched and the mobile phone was recovered, as was another mobile phone from inside the house.

Drugs related text messages were found on one of the mobile 'phones and Bradley admitted that he had been supplying cannabis to a group of about twenty friends.

He told the police he made about £100 per week from his drugs supplying.

Judge Babington said Bradley supplied drugs to finance his own drugs addiction. He said Bradley collected the drugs from his letterbox where they had been left by his supplier and payments were also made the same way.

"One person actually paid him through PayPal", he said.

Judge Babington added: "His offending was premeditated in that he purchased cannabis from his own dealer on a weekly basis and then supplied a number of people who wanted the drug."
Bradley was jailed for 12 months.

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A woman has admitted stealing goods valued at more than £1,700 from Primark.

Maureen Cooke (49) of Brisland Road in Eglinton appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court facing two charges.

She admitted stealing goods valued at £267 from Primary on July 17 this year.

She also admitted stealing goods valued at £1,500 from the same store on dates between February 1 and July 17.

The case was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared and Cooke will be sentenced on October 12.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Super Break launches three further epic Arctic experiences with exclusive flights to Akureyri, North Iceland – a brand new destination previously unreachable direct from UK airports.

Following the success of its ‘Incredible Iceland’ breaks last Winter, short-break specialist Super Break has announced an expanded programme of getaways to Northern Iceland from City of Derry Airport, departing January 2019.

The new breaks offer holidaymakers from Northern Ireland the opportunity to discover this incredible part of the world and go genuinely off the beaten track with exclusive three-night Arctic experiences.

Still the only operator in the UK to fly direct to Northern Iceland, the three new breaks all include the same exclusive regional flights direct to Akureyri and sit alongside the travel brand’s ever-popular Incredible Iceland package, providing customers with a diverse choice of accommodation and activities to suit every taste.

The new breaks offer a luxurious option allowing holidaymakers to combine five-star accommodation with mouth-watering cuisine that includes brewery tours, tastings and a visit to a local farm to try fresh dishes for an indulgent escape.

Alternatively, holidaymakers can opt for a wilderness escape that will bring them closer to nature through visits to the Myvatn Nature Baths and Sigurgeirs Bird Museum.

Or, if customers would simply like to take Northern Iceland at their own pace, Super Break’s ‘Freedom of North Iceland’ self-drive break will be right for them, providing car hire with unlimited mileage.

Chris Hagan from Super Break commented: “We’re thrilled to announce our expanded programme of getaways so that more people than ever before can experience the magical destination that is North Iceland. Akureyri is an amazing destination and we take pride in offering the very best bucket list activities for holidaymakers across the UK to experience on this trip of a lifetime.”

To book, visit the Super Break website or call 0800 042 0288.

Incredible Iceland – from £699 per person

Super Break’s ‘original’ Incredible Iceland break includes three nights’ accommodation in a choice of hotels, plus experiences to many of the region’s top attractions such as Lake Myvatn, Goddafoss Waterfall, the boiling mud pools of Namafjall and a stop at Vogafjos working farm. Also included in the break is an excursion to see the Northern Lights, making your Icelandic escape even more memorable. There is also the opportunity to visit Myvatn Nature Baths – the ‘Blue Lagoon of the North’ or take part in a Snowmobiling Experience, Whale Watching or Fishing Experience (extra charge applies).

PRICE: From £699 per person including three-nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Nordurland by Keahotels Hotel, Lake Myvatn Adventure – Land of Fire and Ice full day escorted excursion, Search for the Northern Lights escorted evening excursion, return airport transfers and return flights from City of Derry Airport departing 25th January 2019.

Freedom of North Iceland Self Drive – from £999 per person

For those wanting to get off the beaten track and experience Iceland at your own pace, the Freedom of North Iceland break is for you. With 4* accommodation and a Suzuki Vitara 4WD to use throughout the duration of your getaway, you’ll be able to see all the sights of this incredible destination. What’s more, with unlimited mileage also included, there’s no end to the adventures possible in this amazing part of the world.

PRICE: From £999 per person including three-nights’ accommodation at the 4* Fosshotel Husavik or Fosshotel Myvatn, Suzuki Vitara 4WD for the duration of your break including unlimited mileage, theft waiver, collision damage waiver and personal added insurance, and return flights from City of Derry Airport departing 25th January 2019.

Lake Myvatn Iceland’s Winter Wilderness – from £1099 per person

Experience the true magical wilderness of Iceland with this break that combines the very best experiences with nature. Giving customers the opportunity to bathe in the Myvatn Nature Baths and see the largest private collection of birds in Iceland at the Sigurgeirs Bird Museum, holidaymakers will also be able to see the sights in Akureyri, visit to the impressive Godafoss Waterfall and join small group tours to Lake Myvatn and the Northern Lights.

PRICE: From £1099 per person including three-nights’ accommodation at the Sel Hotel Myvatn in Lake Myvatn, including breakfast, Akureyri Sightseeing and Godafoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn Highlights and Hidden Gems and Search for the Northern Lights Tours, visit and entrance to the Myvatn Nature Baths and Sigurgeirs Bird Museum, transfers to and from Akureyri Airport and return flights from City of Derry Airport departing 25th January 2019.

Luxury North Iceland Escape – from £1119 per person

Experience pure luxury with a break in Siglufjordur, a cosy and friendly fishing village town with a relaxed atmosphere. With a prime Northern Lights viewing opportunity from the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs as well as brewery tastings, walking tours and signature smoked lamb sampling all included in your stay, you’re sure to feel relaxed and refreshed as you take in the wonderful surroundings that Iceland has to offer.

PRICE: From £1119 per person including three-nights’ accommodation at the 4* Siglo Hotel, Siglufjordur, visits and tastings at Kaldi and Segul 67 Breweries, entry to the Icelandic Pottery Centre & Saga Fotografika Museum, a local sheep farm visit with smoked lamb tasting, meals at Ekta Fiskur and Hannes Boy Restaurant, transfers to and from Akureyri Airport and return flights from City of Derry Airport departing 25th January 2019.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A leading crane manufacturer based in Donegal is recruiting for a Sales Executive with technical ability.

Mantis Cranes is based in Killygordon. It manufactures, hires, and supplies tower cranes and self-erecting cranes throughout Ireland.

The Sales Executive role involves supporting the company's existing customers while also expanding the current customer base. While the position is based in Mantis Cranes' Donegal office, it will require travel throughout the island of Ireland.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of selling into the construction industry, or they will have experience of cranes or heavy plant. An ability to interpret site layout drawings is required.

The successful candidate will also be a self-starter, they will be able to work on their own initiative, and they will also have excellent communication skills. The ability to use computers and modern technology efficiently is also required.

Key Requirements

• Minimum of three years' experience in the sale or hire of capital plant to the construction sector or plant industry
• Minimum 3rd level degree in construction studies, civil engineering, or a similar discipline with experience in Auto-Cad and reading drawings
• A clean and valid driving license

The successful candidate can expect a competitive salary with an opportunity to earn bonuses. A company vehicle will also be provided.

To apply, send a CV detailing your experience to jobs@mantiscranes.ie.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 14 September.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Residents are being advised to have any large unwanted items they wish to dump at the ready for a council 'bulky lift'.

Sinn Féin Councillor Eric McGinley has encouraged residents to avail of Council’s Bulky Lift service scheduled for Foyle Springs.

Cllr. McGinley said: “Council has agreed to carry out an extensive bulky lift programme this coming week in the Foyle Springs area.

"On Tuesday, September 11, the Foyle Springs Road estate will be covered along with Altnafoyle and Norburgh Park whilst the area from Kinnego Park through to Springvale Park will be serviced on Wednesday, September 12. Springham Park will also be included on this date.

"The Council’s bulky lift programme provides an opportunity for residents to dispose of unwanted household furniture and other items at no cost and I would encourage residents to avail of this service.”

Meanwhile, SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins has welcomed the return of the annual Culmore Bulky Lift which is to take place on September 17 and 18.

She said: “Due to financial constraints, there were concerns that my request for an annual Bulky Lift would not occur this year.

"However, I am extremely pleased that due to the great response that it received last year, Derry City and Strabane District Council have scheduled another Bulky Lift for the Culmore area this year.

“It has been organised for the 17th and 18th September. The lorry will operate between 8am and 2pm and will service from Heathfield up to and including Thornhill Park on the 17th and from Culmore Square to Muff on the 18th.

“Further details and what can be lifted are on the Council website, in local shops or by contacting me on 07709147751.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Police in Derry have issued an appeal for the whereabouts of a Derry teen whose family are worried for his welfare.

Foyle PSNI posted the appeal on Facebook with the message:

'The picture attached is of a young lad called called Oran. He has been reported missing from approx 11am today.

Police and his mother are worried about him. If you see him please contact 101 quoting reference 613 of 05/09.

He was last seen wearing a St Columb’s College Uniform, but may also be wearing a green hoodie. He is 6ft tall, slim build and wears black glasses.'

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

SDLP MLA, Mark H Durkan, has said it is unacceptable that over months on from the publication of the Independent Review of the PIP Assessment Process Report that worried claimants are being left in the dark.

He said that the report by Walter Radar of the Department for Communities has still not produced its response leaving worried claimants in the dark.

The Independent Report, commissioned by the Department, contained 14 recommended changes to the PIP assessment process, many of which the SDLP and advice sector have been campaigning for.

Mr Durkan said: “The Independent Report into the PIP assessment process published over two months ago made a number of important recommendations including audio-visual recordings of all assessments, the use of a fairer definition of terminal illness to treat terminally ill claimants with more dignity and respect, specialist training for assessors so they better understand the nature and impact of specific conditions, the creation of a list of conditions which qualify for a paper based review as opposed to stressful face to face assessments and the removal of direct and cold questions about suicide and self-harm.

“It confirmed what many of us working to support claimants have known for some time. The PIP assessment process does not have the confidence and trust of claimants or the public. Two months on, despite several requests, we continue to be met with a wall of silence from the Department for Communities. This delay in issuing any response is doing nothing to build the trust, openness and transparency needed in the PIP process. It is leaving worried claimants in the dark.

“PIP claimants and the public need to hear from the Department. They deserve to know its response to each of the 14 recommendations and the time-frame for implementation without any further delay.”

Pictured above: Derry MLA, Mark H Durkan.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A missing Derry teen for whom concern had been growing has been located and is now home, safe and well.

Police issued an appeal earlier today for information on the young man named Oran, who had been reported missing from 11am with concern growing in his family for his welfare.

PSNI Foyle posted on their Facebook page: 'Thanks everyone who helped share and get in touch. He has now been found. We really appreciate your help. Constable F.'

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.