IRA arms witness receives award

Rev Harold Good is the third Irish winner

One of the two clergymen who witnessed the IRA's arms decommissioning has received a prestigious peace award.

The World Methodist Peace Award was presented to the Rev Harold Good at a ceremony and celebration in Knock Methodist Church, Belfast.

Previous winners of the award include UN Secretary Kofi Annan, President Jimmy Carter and Nelson Mandela.

Two years ago, Rev Good and Fr Alex Reid were independent witnesses when the IRA destroyed their weapons cache.

A former president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Good said: "So many people across this community have made major contributions to our peace process - some are well known and others may never be known.

"I see myself like the captain of a team who will receive this award on behalf of all who have striven for this peace."

The 70-year-old clergyman is the third Irish winner in the 30 years since the award was launched.