HONG KONG (Thomson Financial) - Hong Kong shares opened higher Wednesday, extending the previous session's 6.4 percent rally, as investors were encouraged by higher-than-expected earnings from China Life Insurance Co Ltd and other Chinese companies.

"We are getting a lof of results lately and by and large they are encouraging," said Howard Gorges, vice chairman at South China Securities.

The Hang Seng Index rose 117.23 points or 0.5 percent at 22,581.75 in opening trade.

China Life, the nation's top insurer, said its net profit almost doubled in 2007 to 38.9 billion yuan, beating analyst forecasts.

Shares of China Life were up 75 Hong Kong cents or 2.7 percent at 28.20 dollars.

(1 US dollar = 7.80 Hong Kong dollars, 7.10 yuan)

jun.ebias@thomson.com .

Sparks police officer dies on job

Today, employees of the Sparks Police Department, as well as several Valdosta and Lake Park citizens, will mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Sparks Police Officer Robert P. "Frog" Lloyd Jr., 53, who passed away while on duty Easter Sunday. Sparks police officer dies on job Malynda Fulton The Valdosta Daily Times VALDOSTA — Today, employees of the Sparks Police Department, as well as several Valdosta and Lake Park citizens, will mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Sparks Police Officer Robert P. "Frog" Lloyd Jr., 53, who passed away while on duty Easter Sunday.

Good Hope students receive lessons on real life

Life was rough Wednesday for Alora Cleghorn. A wife with two kids and two jobs, Cleghorn used up much of her day buying food, clothing and paying off a mountain of bills; all while trying to keep her meager checking account in the black. Such a life would be stressful for most individuals but for a 14-year-old like Cleghorn, it is a serious shock."I'm from a big family, but I didn't realize it would cost this much," Cleghorn said.Cleghorn was one of over 30 Good Hope High School freshmen who assumed adult lives Wednesday as part of the Keeping it Real program. Sponsored by the Cullman Area Workforce Solutions Group, the program gave students the opportunity to learn about the pitfalls of life in the real world."It shows them you need to stay in school and get an education," said Susan Eller, special projects coordinator for the Cullman Economic Development Agency.