A CHRISTMAS message for isleofman.com readers from the Island's Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood:

"2011 has been a special year for me and my family - one that we will certainly never forget.

"Katie, Persie and I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting many areas of this beautiful Island but the most exciting part has been the opportunity to meet such a wide variety of people and make many new friends.

"We have been particularly touched by the warmth and friendliness that we have encountered wherever we have been. 

"We have been fortunate to welcome many visitors since April and we are planning to keep the momentum going through 2012 so I hope we will get the chance to meet many of you at Government House.

"As we enter into 2012 the international horizon is particularly unsettled and the Isle of Man cannot be insulated from the changing economic and political climate.

"However I know the Island will face up to its challenges with resilience and purpose as it has done in the past.

"Katie, Persie and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year."