#COASTGUARD - The Newry Times reports on the award of the Chief Coastguard's Commendation to two Co Down coastguard officers for separate rescues last year.

Keith Campbell and John Kirkpatrick of the South Down Coastguard Team were recognised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency at an awards ceremony in Newcastle Coastguard Station last Wednesday in what was also a first for Northern Ireland.

Alliance Party Councillor Patrick Clarke congratulated the officers for showing "exemplary bravery in carrying out their duties last year saving the lives of adults and children at separate incidents at Dundrum Inner Bay."

Chief Coastguard Peter Diamond from headquarters in Southampton made the presentation at the event attended by senior coastguard officers and officials from other emergency services.