More than 3,000 people took the rare opportunity to visit Conister Rock on Sunday August 12 by taking part in the Tower Insurance Tower of Refuge walk.

Sponsored for the seventh year in succession by Tower Insurance the event was organised by Douglas Town Centre Management, supported by the Douglas Coastguard crew and held in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

As the escorted walk took place on a Sunday and in the year when Tower Insurance is celebrating its 90th anniversary, the event took on a carnival atmosphere with live bands performing from a stage on Harris Promenade, free fairground rides and games and a sandcastle-building competition on the beach offering £50 prizes.

The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Ian Clague MBE and Mrs Susan Clague with 'Stormy Stan' the RNLI mascot

Douglas Town Centre Manager Oliver Cheshire said: ‘Holding the event on a Sunday really drew the crowds, not only for the walk itself but also for all the free rides and live entertainment. We’re very grateful to Tower Insurance for their continued sponsorship, to all those who served as marshals and, of course, to Kev Scott and his fellow Douglas Coastguard crew members, without whom we wouldn’t be able to stage the event. RNLI volunteers do tremendous work, not just saving lives but educating, too, so we’re pleased that all donations from the Tower of Refuge walk have gone to such a deserving cause.’

Tower Insurance managing director Emmet McQuillan said: ‘Tower Insurance are proud to be supporting this event where people can take this rare opportunity to visit the Tower of Refuge, one of the Island’s famous landmarks.  The RNLI have been chosen by our staff as their charity of the year.  Money raised today and from other events to celebrate our 90th anniversary will be used to support the lifesaving work of this very worthy charity.’

For all the latest news check out Douglas Town Centre Management’s Facebook page, visit the website or contact Oliver Cheshire,  696304.