People across the island are gearing up to welcome the New Year along with their loved ones and friends.

We asked Strand Street shoppers about their resolutions for 2019 as well as what they have planned for the first day of the new year.

’I’ve started a new job, as an educational support officer at Castle Rushen High School, so my resolution is to get further on in education,’ said Sharon Taylor, 48, from Port Erin.

She continued: ’We normally have a big family get together on New Year’s Eve. We’re going to Florida in the summer and this will be the first time the kids have gone on the plane, so it’s a big thing.’

She added that her family aims to keep fit this year with more mountain biking.

Emma Jane, 32, Douglas, said: ’I have no plans for New Year’s Day, I’m very boring! I do like to spend it with my family.

’I’ve not got any New Year’s resolutions. I’m happy the way I am, so why change yourself? Why try to lose weight when it’s cold and your body’s naturally keeping it on?

’We’ve finally managed to adopt a dog. It’s a Labradoodle called Thor from the ManxSPCA and it’s his first Christmas. Having him in the family is something to look forward to in the New Year.’

He friend, Sara Ward, 30, from Douglas, said: ’On New Year’s Eve I go to see my family, we have dinner together and play board games. Then I watch some of the family members get a bit tipsy.’

Ramsey resident Matty Livesey, 43, said: ’I did the Ramsey dip a few years ago. It nearly killed me. It’s the cold - I was still cold at 4pm. I dressed up in a mankini for it. It was one for the bucket list.

’For New Year’s Eve I have a big house party. It’s easier with four kids and we just let them run riot. The adults run riot in the kitchen. I have no New Year resolutions because I don’t stick to them.’

Laurence Watterson, 54, from Castletown, said: ’As per normal I will endeavour to stop my growth spurt.

’I’m going to watch the Castletown dip this year. This is after I was almost going to drown two years ago when I did it. My mother-in-law, who was watching, said "he’s struggling" and then lit up a cigarette and continued to watch.’

His son Duncan, 24, said: ’I’m off to Abu Dhabi with the Special Olympics this year. I do shot put, the 100 metres and 400 metres, so I will focus on that. On New Year’s Day I spend it with my family.’

Laurence added: ’We normally have a card game of Go Fish on New Year’s Eve. Duncan is running champion, but hopefully this year will be my year.’

Suzy Holland, 57, from Ramsey, said she doesn’t care about New Year resolutions.

’I don’t remember a time I ever made any because I don’t think I would stick to it,’ she said.’I’m doing the Peel dip on New Year’s Day to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society Isle of Man, Peel RNLI and Rebecca House.’

Suffering with MS herself, Suzy has so far raised just under £600 towards the cause.

’Am I completely insane for doing it? Yes. Originally I said if I get £100 I will go up to my ankles, £200 and I’ll go up to my knees. For £500 I would be completely submerged. Everybody said yay!’

If you would like to donate towards her cause, search: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/suzy-holland