It’s been 60 years since Stephen Percy last visited the Isle of Man.

The last time he was here, as a 10-year-old boy in the summer of 1957, he won a talent competition with a skiffle band he formed while staying at his Aunt Grace’s hotel in Peel.

Returning to the island at the weekend for his 70th birthday, Stephen was back at the Creg Malin, sadly no longer a hotel, clutching his first prize certificate from all those years ago.

At that time Stephen was living with his family in Bebington on the Wirral. He now lives in Winchester, Hants, with wife Alex.

Their daugher Caroline offered to take her parents - separately - to anywhere in Europe to celebrate their 70th birthdays this year.

Stephen said: ’My wife opted for Athens in May and I chose the Isle of Man in September. I’m sure got the best deal.

’I had a wonderful day in Peel. It’s a very beautiful place and I spoke to a large number of friendly people who had lived here all their lives.

’Although it’s sad for me that the Creg Malin is no longer a hotel and the Marine Hall has been demolished, the city has a lot to offer. I’ll be back but try not to leave it 60 years next time.’

Back in 1957, Stephen had travelled to Peel with his eldest brother David to stay with Aunt Grace. They were two of a family of six children belonging to Syd and Mary Percy.

Stephen and David palled up with some of the hotel guests, two sisters and another boy.

They formed an impromptu skiffle group and entered a talent contest in Peel, which they won. Stephen still has a press photo of the five of them, with him on the washboard and David on the ukulele.

Swing band leader Ivy Benson had a show in Douglas and had seen their performance - she may have judging the competition. She was so impressed she asked if they would perform on her show.

Sadly, the summer holidays were nearly over and the kids had to get back to school. This also meant they couldn’t enter the All Isle of Man final.