Tv presenter and former conservative politician and Cabinet Minister, Michael Portillo visited the Isle of Man last weekend to film for series three of the very popular travel documentary, Great British Railway Journeys. The main subject of the programme, to be aired early in 2012, will be about how the Victorians travelling to the Island would have been surprised at the feats of engineering in the local infrastructure for both industry and leisure. They were assisted by Department of Economic Development, Department of Community, Culture and Leisure and Manx National Heritage during their visit. The crew met with Terry Cringle, who was interviewed about the internment camps on Douglas Promenade during the second world war, Minister for Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, David Cretney MHK and Michael and Andrew Scarffe who presented two pieces to camera, one about the Laxey Wheel mechanism and origin and another about the mine shaft. They then headed to the miniature steam railway in Laxey, following which they captured several wide camera scenic shots of general views. Then were then accompanied by Richard Little, Isle of Man Railways Marketing Manager, on the MER tram to Snaefell summit. Weather conditions were not good at the top of the mountain but the crew remained in good spirits and still managed to get some good footage. Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK, said: ‘The visit of the Great British Railways TV crew is very positive for the Isle of Man and this hugely popular programme will no doubt help to raise our profile. I would like to thank the production company for choosing to visit our great Island and look forward to viewing the programme when it is aired on BBC2 next year.’ Member for the Department of Economic Development responsible for Tourism, Mr Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK said: ‘The Isle of Man has so much to offer visitors with its dramatic countryside and rich history around every corner. Great British Railways is the perfect programme to convey key messages about the Isle of Man as a travel destination and will surely help us to gain maximum publicity for the Island.’ Ends