Service of commemoration for Sir William Hillary to take place today

The annual service of commemoration for RNLI founder Sir William Hillary is taking place today.

It comes as the charity welcomes the start of its bicentenary year.

Sir William was an Island resident who witnessed a number of shipwrecks off the Manx coast, prompting him to set up the lifesaving service.

The event is taking place at 3pm today at St George's Church.

RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie says this service is an especially poignant moment for the Isle of Man as we collectively reflect on the charity's founder's accomplishments 200 years ago.