Xander Shirtliff is 15 and goes to Ballakermeen High School, Douglas.

Xander was recently named the second Manx Youth Bard at a ceremony held in the Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas.

He has since appeared at many functions, including the recent ’On Your Doorstep’ event and looks forward to reading his work at Tynwald Day, and the Manx Litfest poetry events.

He hopes to use his position to encourage other teenage boys to write poetry.

What is your idea of a perfect meal?

It would probably be a margherita pizza.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My iPad.

Do you have any pets?

I have a Border Collie dog called Felix.

What is your greatest achievement?

Getting my silver in the Duke of Edinburgh award.

What is your favourite time of the year?

The late spring, as it’s not too cold but not too warm either.

What is the first job you ever had?

It’s the one I have now, waiting and washing up at Port St Mary Yacht Club, whenever they have a function.

Do you have any irrational fears?

None I would like to share. I could say I’m not a fan of the dark because my imagination goes into overdrive.

What is your worst habit?

One of my worst habits is that I am great at procrastinating.

What is your favourite book?

I don’t really have one favourite book but if I had to narrow it down to three I would say Hyperion, by Dan Simmons, The Name of the Win by Patrick Rothfuss and The Lies of Locke Lamora, by Scott Lynch.

What is your favourite TV programme?

At the moment, it would be Friends.

What is your favourite band/artist at the moment?

My favourite band is more like a composer and orchestra. I think that would have to be Two Steps From Hell. They do create some epic soundtrack music.

What is your favourite part of the Isle of Man?

Ballaglass Glen as it is such a nice and beautiful place.

What is the last show/band that you saw live?

I went to see my sister’s orchestra perform in Belfast if that counts?

What would be your perfect day?

Ooooh, well I’d probably like to spend the day at Disneyland, Florida at Star Wars Galaxy Edge. In the evening I’d have a games night with my family.

Choose three people, dead or alive, to invite to dinner?

Jesus, the author J.R.R Tolkien and the actor Chris Evans, who played Captain America in the Avengers films.

Which do you prefer:

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?

Lord of the Rings.

Cats or dogs?

Cats.

Birthday or Christmas?

Birthday.

Starter or pudding?

Pudding.

Quiet night in or night out?

Quiet night.