A couple have been recognised for 30 years of service to the Port St Mary’s RNLI.

John and Marion Payne, who are passionate about boats and sailing, moved to the island 40 years ago.

Their support of the charity began in 1981 when they donated £1,000 towards the cost of a VHF direction finder for one of Port St Mary’s lifeboats.

Following this they continued their involvement, volunteering to join the supporters of Port St Mary lifeboat.

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John joined the branch in 1983, before taking on the position of membership secretary, and then branch treasurer in 1988 - a role he carried out for 18 years.

Marion joined Port St Mary’s Ladies’ Guild, which involved organising events such as Christmas fairs, car boot sales and autumn luncheons, as well as making cakes to sell at various events.

She also took on joint responsibility of co-ordinating the stalls and buying prizes for the annual Lifeboat Day for a few years.

One of John and Marion’s best-known contributions to Port St Mary RNLI’s fundraising was the establishment of the ’Murder Mystery’ suppers.

This has now become an annual sell-out fundraising event, which raises thousands of pounds for the RNLI.

A spokesperson for Port St Mary RNLI said: ’Everyone at Port St Mary lifeboat would like to thank John and Marion for all their time and dedication in helping to raise vital funds for the RNLI and would like to congratulate them on their well-deserved 30 years’ service medals.

’The Port St Mary lifeboat branch works closely with the local lifeboat volunteer crew and raises funds to support them in the demanding work they undertake on behalf of our community.

’The branch seeks to organise fun events and activities that appeal across a wide spectrum of supporters - particularly those such as sailors, fishermen, divers, paddleboarders and kayakers who enjoy our maritime environment and know that if they are in trouble the RNLI is there to help.’