Barbara Gibb and her son Robin's wife Dwina stayed at the Hilton Hotel, Douglas, for three days and visited old friends and familiar haunts.

Family friend Bernie Quayle, who revealed that Barbara could be back later this year, said: 'Barbara had been wanting to visit the grave of her parents for a long time. She hasn't been here for over 30 years.

'She says the Island is one of her favourite places. She's a world traveller and in her 85th year but the Island remains on of her favourites.'

Barbara, the mother of legendary musicians Robin, Maurice and Barry, bought lots of Manx souvenirs and toured the Island during her stay.

She also visited the post office in Union Mills, which she owned, and the homes her family used to occupy in Belmont Hill, Douglas, the flat above Maley's Chemist in Strand Street, Douglas, Smedley Cottage in Spring Valley, Chapel House in Strang Road, Union Mills, St Catherine's Drive, Douglas, and Snaefell Road, Douglas.

Manx Radio presenter Bernie – who will tonight broadcast an interview with Barbara – said: 'Barbara said so many of the places that she remembered had either disappeared or changed dramatically and she feels a lot of the Manx character that was here in the 70s also seems to have disappeared.'

Full story in today's Isle of Man Examiner.