It's the 20th anniversary of Britain's worst jail disturbance, an event which has a strong Isle of Man connection.

The seige at Strangeways in Manchester lasted 25 days and led to major improvements in prisons.

A rampage through the complex and a rooftop protest caused damage put at ?60 million, and two people lost their lives as the drama unfolded.

Overcrowding and squalid conditions had created tension among inmates, although the Victorian prison's problems were being addressed.

Rioters seized control after an uprising in the chapel during a Sunday morning service.

Former Governor of Strangeways Brendan O'Friel was born in the Isle of Man and had a home here for many years before returning for good when he retired.   

Mr O'Friel recalls travelling over for a break after the seige had ended and before he was due to give evidence to Lord Justice Woolf's public inquiry.

He has fond memories of the support he was offered by many Manx people: