Plans are being formed to secure the island’s involvement in celebrations of the bi-centenary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Sir William Hillary, the founder of what became the RNLI, lived in the Isle of Man.

He was involved in the dramatic rescue of nearly 100 men after they Royal Navy cutter ran aground on Conister Rock in Douglas Bay.

Sir William was later instrumental in the building of the Tower of Refuge on the rock.

The bicentenary of the RNLI is in 2024.

In the House of Keys on Tuesday, Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly said: ’I do believe the Isle of Man is intended to be a central feature for these bicentenary celebrations and I have already met with the associate director and also the heritage manager for the RNLI who, has visited the island and I hope to be working with partners across government and the wider public as well.’