Pupils at Ramsey Grammar School have received history books from the family of a Manx war hero.

The family of the late Hector Duff OBE, have given books to students studying history thanks to the prize money in an essay writing competition run in Hector’s name.

Student Lola Tebay won the Hector Duff Spirit of Normandy Trust essay writing competition during the first lockdown last year.

RGS History teacher Andrew Wilkinson said: ’The books are a useful addition to our library and will be especially useful to teach our new A Level course work unit on women’s suffrage and our new Year 8 unit on the history of black people’s lives in Britain and the USA.

’We wouldn’t have been able to run these courses without these resources.’

Mr Wilkinson added: ’The books, along with Lola’s excellent essay, will also be a constant reminder of Hector’s contribution to the school.’

Born in Sulby, Mr Duff was a D-Day veteran and policeman, considered by many to be a heroic Manxman and recognised for his passion educating younger generations about his experiences in the Second World War by visiting schools across the island.

He accepted his OBE in March 2020 from Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney. Joining the war effort aged 19, he was ’very honoured’ to receive an OBE, which is given to individuals who have played a major role in the community.

Mr Duff died in November 2020 and the books were presented last week to RGS by his son Tony and his wife Glynis.

The presentation of the books took place in the Hector Duff Sixth Form Study Centre at the secondary school.

Tony and Glynis commented: ’The history books provide yet another example of Hector’s link to RGS and he is really part of the history of the school.’