It was a sweet victory for student police officers who beat the Steam Packet fastcraft on static bikes, raising £770 in the process.

Twelve students worked together to outrace the vessel from Liverpool to Douglas in the ’Race the Boat’ charity event, and managed to do so by 20 miles.

Those who were involved took turns on two stationary cycle bikes that were set up at the Sea Terminal.

Katherine Blenkinsop, one of the students, said: ’We had a great day hosting the event.

’We successfully beat the boat back from Liverpool. By the time the boat had docked we’d completed 100 miles which is 20 more miles than the distance the boat travels.’

Paul Kemp, from the constabulary’s staff development centre, said: ’Very good teamwork was demonstrated, including one officer who had been suffering with flu symptoms who refused to miss his turn.’

Funds raised through a raffle at the event, supported by Elite Fitness, are to be divided between the two chosen charities - Give a Gift and The Youth Trust.

The Isle of Man Constabulary Give a Gift charity was set up in 2013 and works to provide Christmas gifts to those facing financial, emotional or social difficulties. Gift recipients are people within the community who police members have come into contact with in their line of duty who they felt could benefit from some Christmas cheer.

Katherine added: ’We’d like to thank the public for their generous contributions.’