A branch of the the Royal Television Society has opened in the Isle of Man.

Its official launch saw guests such as actor John Rhys-Davies, Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and organisers of the Isle of Man Film Festival attend.

The event was held at the Government House in Onchan and coincided with this year’s Isle of Man Film Festival, which ran last week, as well as the Isle of Media’s second anniversary.

Isle of Media, a development agency for the island’s video, television and film sector, is an RTS patron.

Film Festival organiser Dave Armstrong said: ’I hope that launching the centre during our festival will be a great opportunity to create awareness of the potential of this sector for our island.

’Television has a great history and is diversifying into a platform that offers many opportunities for all filmmakers.

’This is a welcome and exciting development and we are delighted that Isle of Media has been able to schedule this launch in our festival week.’

Michael Wilson, chief executive at Isle of Media, said: ’The visual creative arts are a key sector for the Island, and the Isle of Man Film Festival is a fabulous celebration of the best of class.

’Bringing the Royal Television Society to the Isle of Man and opening a centre here, adds an additional strength to the sector and helps develop skills, education and awareness of the arts and craft of television and the wider creative and digital industry.’

The RTS was founded in 1927 and is a charity that promotes the art and science of television.

There are currently 14 RTS centres around the UK and in the Republic of Ireland, with the Isle of Man becoming the 15th.

The centre are regional groups that organise workshops, lectures, and promote skills and training within the television industry.

Theresa Wise, chief executive of the RTS, said: ’I am so thrilled that our vibrant RTS centres are being augmented by the launch of the Isle of Man centre this autumn.

’It is a testament to the health of our industry and the hard work of our volunteers and members.

’I am personally delighted to welcome our new RTS Isle of Man Centre.’

Other guests from Isle of Media included chairman Dr Richard Arning, and director Peter Duke.