Heathrow delegates have landed in Northern Ireland this week to assess a number of areas shortlisted for its pioneering Logistic Hubs.

The chosen sites will help build Heathrow's proposed third runway, creating up to 5,000 local jobs.

The airport representatives will visit three sites in Co Antrim, including the former tyre factory Michelin in Ballymena, Global Point Business Park at Corrs Corner in Newtonabbey and Belfast International Airport.

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Outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Paul Reid, expressed his excitement about the visit.

He said: "As one of the longlisted sites, we welcome this launch as the next step in the Heathrow expansion project and the opportunity to transform the UK construction industry.

"We believe Northern Ireland, and County Antrim in particular, represents an ideal location for one of Heathrow's Logistics Hubs, acting as a global gateway, and look forward to welcoming Heathrow's representatives to our area.

"A Logistics Hub in Co Antrim would bring huge benefits to people and businesses, creating jobs and supply chain opportunities and leaving a skills legacy for future generations."

The Hubs would be used to pre-assemble components of the expanded airport before transporting them to Heathrow.

There are currently a total of 65 sites across the UK competing to be one of the four selected locations.

(CM/MH)