The BBC has confirmed it will provide free TV licences to Isle of Man residents who are aged over 75 until the end of 2020.

Pensioners who are already aged 75 or over and have received a normal or short term licence up to the end of May are assured that this has been extended to July. A short term licence running to the end of December will be automatically issued from the end of July.

Island residents who turn 75 from the end of July can also apply for a free TV licence that will run until the end of the year.

It is understood that the BBC will carry out a consultation later this year on the future provision that will apply for Manx residents from the start of 2021.

The BBC announced changes to its universal provision of TV licences for those over age 75 across the UK in June 2019.