CRICKET legend Sir Ian Botham was on top form when he was the guest at an Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club event recently.

It was Ian's first visit to the Island for 25 years and he conducted a question and answer session at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club, Santon, covering the 'Miracle Ashes' of 1981, the future of 20/20 cricket, Shreddies, his charity work for leukemia and much more - all expressed in his own no-nonsense words.

John Wannenburgh of the Sporting and Dining Club said: "Sir Ian was a fantastic coup for the club and our sponsor and members, as this is the only after dinner speaking engagement that he scheduled in his diary this year.

"It's not often that we sit in the presence of a true sporting legend who reminded us all of just how big an inspiration a sporting hero can be."

Kevin Cartledge, senior manager at HSBC, Isle of Man, said: "Sir Ian provided an excellent evening with his anecdotes and he pulled no punches during his frank and honest question and answer session. Another excellent evening which HSBC was delighted to provide the sponsorship for."

The charity raffle raised £1,845 for the HSBC nominated Age Concern Isle of Man.

The club’s next dinner, scheduled for Thursday, November 4, will feature Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson - Britain’s greatest Paralympic athlete, multiple gold medalist and holder of more than 30 world records.

Dame Tanni is renowned as one of the most gifted and courageous sportswomen of her generation and is an exceptional motivational speaker.

The event also takes place at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club.