The new captain of Lonan parish says it’s a great honour for any Manxman to occupy the role.

Stephen Carter was appointed last week by Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, writes local democracy reporter Ewan Gawne.

He joins the 16 other captains of the parishes, whose ancient powers include the authority to raise a militia, and light beacons to warn of invasions.

Captain Carter said: ’I’m very proud to have been appointed.’

The role is now largely ceremonial, though captains are responsible for calling requisition meetings if requested to do so by parishioners.

Usually this takes place for elections to allow candidates for the House of Keys to appear before the public, but has also been requested to discuss issues such as controversial planning applications.

A merchant navy captain and twice chairman of the board of Lonan Commissioners, Captain Carter said that it is important to him that these traditional roles are retained in the island.

He believes he is the first merchant navy officer to have been appointed as captain of the parish anywhere in the island.

Captain Carter also paid tribute to his predecessor Captain Jack Faragher, who died earlier this year at the age of 89.