Boat owners who harbour a desire to get creative this Christmas are being urged to attempt a little maritime makeover on their vessels and enter the Best-Dressed Boat competition. Robin Middleton CBE, RNLI National Council member, former crew member and silver medal holder whose own festively decorated craft brought some Christmas cheer to Douglas harbour last year has pledged a donation of ?100 to Douglas RNLI, confident that more than 20 boat owners will enter into the spirit of the occasion. The competition is being organised by Douglas Development Partnership whose development manager Chris Pycroft said: ‘Robin’s magnificently decorated boat last year was the inspiration for the challenge, so we’re enormously grateful to him for his support for the competition. The Partnership was keen that Douglas harbour, with its backdrop of the regenerated North Quay complete with its decorative lighting, should be brought into the festive atmosphere that now extends throughout the town centre and we’re hoping that not only boat owners but also local businesses will “go overboard” with their Christmas decorations.’ The Best-Dressed Boat competition will be judged by members of the North Quay Community Association on Saturday December 10 at 7pm and presided over by His Worship the Mayor of Douglas Councillor Ritchie McNicholl, JP. First prize is a meal for two at Coasters, runner-up prize a meal for two at the Bridge Inn and other prizes are also on offer. For more information contact Chris Pycroft, Douglas Development Partnership, 7-13 Victoria Street, Douglas. 612022. cpycroft@douglas.org.im. ENDS