A new product claimed to revolutionise testing procedures for a number of illnesses has been launched by a County Antrim company. The product, from Randox Laboratories, involves the use of biochips.

For the first time, as part of the Daily Mirror`s Pride of Britain Awards, UTV will highlight and reward the work of the nation`s caring community, honouring those unsung heroes whose work often goes unnoticed.

Almost half of homeless parents in Northern Ireland have been forced to go without food at some point in order to feed their children. And almost two-thirds of the homeless population are eating less than three good meals a day.

Voluntary and community groups have been invited to apply for a share of a £15 million fund being provided to help them modernise. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the aim of the Modernisation Fund was to help the voluntary sector prepare itself for the future.

Nurses in Northern Ireland are to receive the full pay award recommended by the Independent Pay Review Body. The move means that nurses and midwives will receive a 2.5% increase back-dated from 1 April.

The mother of a young girl at the centre of abuse allegations at a Barnardo’s care home last night backed calls for social care watchdogs to investigate the injuries suffered by her daughter.

Security in Ulster’s largest hospital trust was overhauled after an al Qaida terror suspect was believed to have breached its email system to contact jihadi terrorists.

Ambulance staff have said they will hold a strike ballot over pay and conditions if management do not agree to discuss concerns by next Wednesday. Staff have already held a test ballot which showed that only 3% of staff were opposed to possible industrial action.

The power-sharing Executive is to re-examine the plan to create seven so-called super councils, approved by former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain. Senior Stormont sources suggest ministers may opt for an 11-council model.

An arson attack has caused several thousand pounds’ worth of smoke damage to a school in Newry.