One hundred and fifty years of democracy in the island was celebrated at a special sitting of the House of the Keys.

Members of the House of Keys attended a special sitting at the old House of Keys in Castletown on Tuesday afternoon.

There were just two items on the order paper.

Historian Dr Kit Gawne presented members with evidence on the introduction of a popularly-elected House of Keys in 1867.

And Chief Minister Howard Quayle moved a motion that ’this House notes the 150th anniversary of the introduction of direct elections for the House of Keys; notes the social and economic progress which has flowed from the introduction and extension of democratic elections in the Isle of Man; and welcomes the enhanced role for Tynwald and its branches which this reform brought about’.