Awards have been presented by Mayor of Douglas Councillor Ritchie McNicholl in the Best Dressed Boat and Best Dressed Business Christmas competitions.

At a reception held to mark the occasion, Councillor McNicholl said the boat competition had literally 'lit up the town's harbour', and created a welcome sense of community.

The winning boat was Wild Gull, owned by Andrew Cookson-Smith. Pride of Mann was second, 'Emma IV' third, Lazy Bones took fourth prize and Serenity was fifth.

The Mayor said some businesses had made a considerable effort to decorate their premises for Christmas.

Joint first prize went to the hair salons Hot Gossip in Church Street and Heatwave in Bucks Road. Second was Hamblin Recruitment in Victoria Street, and third prize went to Jabberwocky in Duke Street.

During the reception, RNLI National Council member Robin Middleton took the opportunity to present a cheque to the Douglas branch of the organisation.

The competitions were organised by the Douglas Development Partnership, the North Quay Community Association and the community events sub-committee of the borough council.