Eight tour guides have been presented with certificates by Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK.

Some of the tour guides successfully completed a two-year course for the award of the Blue Badge which is the highest level of qualification for tour guides, recognised throughout the British Isles and beyond.

Others already held their Blue Badge and had completed language courses in a variety of languages such as German and French.

The Manx course is provided by the Guild of Manx Registered Tour Guides and the Isle of Man College.

The graduates are qualified to guide anywhere in the Isle of Man on a coach or minibus, and to provide site and walking tours.

The presentation was held in the Department of Economic Development board room at St George’s Court in Upper Church Street, Douglas on Tuesday.

Pictured, from left, are the graduates who were able to attend the ceremony with MHK Laurence Skelly; Rory McCann, Fiona McArdle (front) David Killip (back), Peter Beighton, Petra Dudek (front), Chris Callow, Bob Moon and Laurence Skelly.

Two other graduates, John Shakespeare and Helen Leigh, were unable to attend the ceremony.

The guides know all about the Isle of Man - whether it’s history, geology, wildlife, archaeology, Manx Gaelic, folklore, the story of the landscape - or where to get good food and drink.

Some also have specialist areas of knowledge and interest.

The Guild of Manx Registered Tour Guides is a membership association for those who have successfully completed an academic and practical training course, passed a series of examinations, and have been awarded a certificate and Manx Blue Badge.

The Manx Guild is affiliated to the British Guild of Tourist Guides.

Only those guides who hold this qualification are permitted to describe themselves as Manx Registered Tour Guides.

For more information on tour guides visit www.isleofmantourguides.org