A service was held at Kallow Point, Port St Mary, to commemorate the Dunkirk evacuations in the Second World War.

The service was centred around the anchor of the Mona’s Queen, which hit a mine and sank - with the loss of 24 men - during the heroic evacuation of Allied troops off the beaches at Dunkirk in 1940.

The mass evacuation of 340,000 Allied servicemen from the French coast in May 1940 involved eight Steam Packet vessels, which between them rescued an estimated 25,000 troops while under fire from German forces.

Steam Packet vessels King Orry and Fenella were also lost at Dunkirk and the memorial commemorates all employees of the company who lost their lives in war service.

The address was given by Captain Jack Ronan. His service with the Steam Packet lasted from 1945 to 1989.

The dedication was given by Bishop Peter Eagles.

Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Port St Mary Commissioners chairman Michelle Haywood, Douglas Mayor Jon Joughin and a pupil at Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey laid wreaths at the anchor.

Cleveland Medal winner Paul Costain, Ellan Vannin Pipe Band, Rushen Silver Band and The Mariners Choir all took part. A poem was written and read by Lulu Gillow.