The Tower of Refuge is to be recreated in sand to coincide with this year’s Tower of Refuge walk.

Darren Jackson at work in his studioA model of the tower will be sculpted by Stephanie Quayle-Jackson and her husband Darren of The Farmyard Studio. The internationally acclaimed couple created ice carvings in Regent Street, Douglas for Christmas 2014 and 2013, the Loaghtan sheep sculpture at the Bungalow on the Mountain Road and a 30’ sculpture of Manannan from woodland material for Mannifest 2012.

Their sand sculpture will take shape at the junction of Regent Street and Strand Street starting on Saturday April 18th and will form part of the attractions when the Tower Insurance Tower of Refuge escorted walk in aid of the RNLI Douglas lifeboat goes ahead on Sunday April 19th when the piece will be completed.

Stephanie said: ‘This sand sculpture will be our first in the Island, and we’re extremely grateful to Corletts for donating the sand, to Peter Young of Event Management Solutions for his help with the logistics and to Chris Kissack who’ll be clearing the site afterwards.’

13 restaurants will be offering special discounts and offers on the day of the walk: Alessandros, Coast Brasserie, The Courthouse, Harbour Lights, The Italian Job, Jaks Steakhouse, La Piazza, Manx Gourmet Burgers, New Manila Thai Restaurant, On the Rocks, BEST WESTERN Palace Hotel, Tower Buffet and Victoria Grill.

Now in its fourth year the Tower of Refuge walk is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn and instructions by the coastguards and stewards followed at all times.

Subject to weather and tidal conditions the walk is expected to begin at 6.30pm. For more information contact Douglas town centre manager Michelle O’Malley or visit Douglas Town Centre Management’s Facebook page. (See panel opposite).