Former President of Tynwald Noel Cringle has died at the age of 83.

Mr Cringle, who was president from 2000 to 2011, was educated at Castle Rushen High School and became a farmer and later an auctioneer at Central Marts Limited.

Married to the late Mary, they had two sons, Murray and Mark, and four grandchildren Rachael, Philip, Kai and Oliver.

Mr Cringle was an Arbory Parish Commissioner from 1964 to 1974. He was first elected a Member of the House of Keys in 1974 as a member for Rushen, marking a career in national politics that would span five decades.

He lost his seat in 1986, while Chairman of the Home Affairs Board, but regained it in 1991, continuing as a member for Rushen until 2000. From 1996 to 2000 he was Speaker of the House of Keys.

From 2000 to 2011 he was President of Tynwald, and thus a member of the Legislative Council.

His 11-year tenure as President made him the longest serving member in the role.

He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours.

Mr Cringle also served as chairman of the Sports Council, the Manx Heritage Foundation and the Manx Music Festival, president of the Manx Harriers Athletic Club and was a trustee of Colby AFC.

He was also a life member of Laa Columb Killey, the Island Games Association, the Manx National Farmers Union and the Meadowside Choral Society.

Mr Cringle was also a regular participant in the Parish Walk.

Current President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly said on Saturday: ’Today Tynwald and the island mourn the passing of a political giant.

’Noel was widely known as a farmer and auctioneer, and as an untiring supporter of every aspect of island life, especially sport and the arts.

’But it is above all as a parliamentarian that he will be remembered. In a career spanning five decades he served in many different capacities and ultimately distinguished himself as the longest-serving President of Tynwald in the history of the role.

’Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss.’