Apprentice Boys move parade date

The organisation had been involved in ongoing mediation talks

The Apprentice Boys of Derry have brought forward their annual Lundy parade from 18 to 1 December.

The organisation said the move was to accommodate Londonderry's business community in the run-up to Christmas.

It has been involved in ongoing talks with Derry's chamber of commerce as well as residents from the Bogside.

There had been pressure to move the parade to an earlier date in previous years as shopkeepers were unhappy about disruptions during the busy period.

"We welcome the move of the parade, which commemorates cultural events, while allowing everyone to enjoy the Christmas festivities", said Garbhan O'Doherty of Derry's Chamber of Commerce.

The parade is part of events marking the shutting of the city's gates by supporters of William of Orange against the forces of the Catholic King James II in 1688.