Tribute has been paid by the chief minister to the Island's top civil servant, Mary Williams, who has retired this week.

Tony Brown said Mrs Williams, who has stepped down as chief secretary after a 40-year career in public service, had served the Isle of Man with great distinction.

Mary Williams was appointed chief secretary in 2002, with a brief to promote the Manx government's interests overseas.

In his tribute, Mr Brown said she had been a 'pivotal presence' at the heart of government, and had offered 'wise counsel' during a challenging period.

Mrs Williams was present at the signing of the Island's first Tax Information Exchange Agreement in Washington in 2002, and joined a government delegation to China in 2004, to boost diplomatic and economic ties.