Joey Dunlop’s son Gary and nephew William officially opened the newly extended disabled holiday accommodation at Braddan Bridge House.

The Joey Dunlop Foundation has been enabling people of all ages with a disability to enjoy a holiday in its specialist accommodation in Douglas since 2010.

The number of guests is set to rise with the opening of an extension that increases the number of beds from 12 to 20.

As well as increasing the size of the guest accommodation, the £250,000 project has involved extending the balcony, so visitors will be able to watch racers approach Braddan Bridge from Quarterbridge.

The scheme has been possible thanks to the support of a number of businesses and organisations as well as their fundraising efforts.

Guests aren’t just motorbike racing fans. Visitors include groups of autistic children, families where one member has a wheelchair and adults who need specialist equipment visiting family and friends for Christmas.

Braddan Bridge House also works closely with Hospice Isle of Man so patients can watch the races from its balcony overlooking the course.

To help free bed space at Noble’s Hospital over winter the apartments will be offered to the Department of Health.

Meanwhile, following the completion of the works, there have been a number of changes in command.

Stepping down is Kevin Quirk, who is one of the original trustees and has been managing the complex for a number of years.

A spokesman said: ’Kevin has been around for a long time and achieved many things in his time for the good of the foundation.’

Long-standing committee member Bob Stimpson has signalled his intention to stand down at the end of September to concentrate on his many other activities.

A spokesman said: ’Bob has aided the trustees greatly over a lot of years with his specialist input on technical aspects of the foundation and the original building; then more recently has been heavily involved in the planning and new building and the level access requirements and installations to equip the house.

’ We will not be losing touch with him completely as happily he has agreed to assist the foundation in the future with one-off special projects.’

John Watterson, who has been chairman for eight years, is stepping down but will continue as a trustee. He will deal with the legal and reporting responsibilities of the foundation and the management of the property owning company as well as the licence for the annual motorcycle tombola.

Stepping into his place will be Bruce Baker, who has been a trustee for many years.

John and Bruce paid tribute to Kevin and Bob for their contribution over many years.

They said that they look forward to the continued success of the foundation.