Northern Ireland minister, Angela Smith, has confirmed that 'Samson' and 'Goliath', two giant cranes in Belfast's Harland and Wolff shipyard, are to be preserved.

The cranes have been scheduled under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, which ensures that consent would be needed to alter or change them. It doesn't affect their ownership or give the public right of access.

'Goliath' was built in 1969 and 'Samson" in 1974. Both span 140m and can individually carry loads of up to 840 tonnes.

Action is also being taken to preserve the dry dock within the Harland and Wolff estate. Details: www.ehsni.gov.uk