An unsung hero of the community will be recognised in a new award to be given by Port St Mary Commissioners.

Commissioner Ian Skelly proposed they give the award to recognise those who ’do so much for the community’ in Port St Mary from helping at clubs to performing in the cabaret party.

Selection will be by some commissioners and an MHK. The prize will be a certificate and a voucher.

Norman McGregor Edwards welcomed the idea but said: ’My concern is it should not be a tokenistic half baked thing that becomes nothing at all. There could be a committee or group deciding but the best way is if it is something this board approves and votes on. It should get full recognition from the board.’

Laurence Vaughan-Williams said it was an ’excellent idea’. He insisted the final choice should be a board decision: ’It’s very important it is not so it is someone’s mate is getting it. It could be a child coping with a sick parent or a stalwart of the community.’

Mr Skelly said: ’I do not want it to be a "boaty Mcboatface" (referring to the most popular name for an Antarctic research vessel that was instead named after Sir David Attenborough).’

For information contact the commissioners’ office, 832101.

Nominations for the 2018 award close on January 31, 2019.