The 2008 Manx Budget has been unveiled by Treasury Minister Allan Bell this morning (Tues).

Pensioners and low income groups are set to be better off - with ?6.5 million worth of additional support.

The health service is also being bolstered by a spending increase of 7.3% - the highest for five years.

And further to Mr Bell's criticism of the appearance of many of the Island's towns, ?8 million will be used to establish a new Town and Village Centre Regeneration Fund, initially focusing on improving Douglas.

During his speech, which lasted just under an hour, Mr Bell also paid tribute to the Island's film industry:

The Baker Tilley Bennett Roy budget special will be broadcast from 1 o'clock onwards on our AM 1368 frequency, with John Moss.