THE chairman of the Friends of Manx National Heritage Mike Fayle has been appointed chairman of the British Association of Friends of Museums (BAFM).

BAFM is an independent organisation for friends, volunteers and supporters of museums, galleries and heritage sites and it represents 200,000 friends and volunteers across the UK.

In addition to his role at  the Friends of Manx National Heritage (FMNH) Mike is a director at KPMG Isle of Man which provides its entire staff with membership of FMNH in order to encourage interest in the Island's heritage.

Mr Fayle said: "Last year Friends of Manx National Heritage hosted the BAFM conference here on the Island.

"It was a great success. Subsequently, I was delighted to accept the invitation for my name to be put forward for chairman.

"This appointment underlines the high regard with which the Friends of Manx National Heritage is held by other friends organisations.

"The Isle of Man is steeped in history and as a strong supporter of our heritage I hope to be able to continue the good work that BAFM have achieved."

To find out more about the Friends of Manx National Heritage see www.friendsofmnh.org

Picture shows past chairman of BAFM Geoffrey Williams, President Loyd Grossman and  Mike Fayle