The Isle of Man is marking the centenary of the end of the First World War by issuing a new 50p coin.

It is being issued to all schoolchildren in the island this week.

The coin features poppies and the image of the soldier from the Douglas war memorial.

There are also two specially-minted £50 commemorative coins, made from pure silver and decorated with gold-plated poppies.

One was presented to Steve Rodan MLC, the President of Tynwald and president of the Isle of Man county branch of the Royal British Legion at an event in Legislative Buildings, Douglas. The second was presented to Juan Watterson, the Speaker of the House of Keys.

This coin will be placed in within the Legislative Buildings. Mr Rodan and Mr Watterson attended a ceremony to launch the coins in Legislative Buildings. Representatives from the Royal British Legion, including Ray Ferguson, its chairman, were also there.

Mr Rodan said: ’I take tremendous pleasure in accepting this gift on behalf of the Royal British Legion in commemoration of the armistice.

’The Legion was established in the aftermath of the First World War to promote welfare and remembrance, and I can’t think of anything more tangible and worthwhile to mark the end of that conflict.’