John Cannell’s 50th anniversary as the captain of the parish of Michael has been marked at Government House.

Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney hosted a lunch on Friday.

Pictured at Government House are Lady Gozney, Marilyn Cannell, Chrissy Cannell, captain of the parish of Michael John Cannell, Ruth Dealtry, Sir Richard Gozney, Matthew Dealtry, captain Stephen Carter, who is captain of the parish of Lonan, and Christine Carter.

Mr Cannell, of Ballacarnane, became captain of the parish in 1970, following in the footsteps of his uncle William Cannell.The office of captain of the parish has its beginnings in the Manx defensive system of watch and ward. This was established by Viking settlers between the 11th and 13th centuries.