The National Sports Centre in Douglas is to close at 4pm today Wednesday 22 November due to the risk of flooding.

The decision was made by Minister for Education and Children Graham Cregeen, after a visit to the facility and following discussions with centre managers.

Heavy rain has resulted in nearby river levels rising, and increased the risk banks will burst.

The NSC is to close until further notice from 4pm, when all remaining customers will be helped to leave safely.

The precautionary closure will allow staff at the NSC to deploy recently installed flood defences, as forecasters predict further rainfall later today and tonight.

Classes and bookings for the rest of the day have been cancelled.

It is hoped the NSC will re-open tomorrow morning (Thursday 23 Nov) - that will be subject to a review at 7am.