New initiative to boost Workshop

The Manx Workshop for the Disabled is upping its game, producing a new range of Manx-inspired, luxury-end goods.

In the past the workshop team's won ad-hoc, last-minute orders from local businesses.

But the new lines include clocks set in hand-polished local timber and wood-barrelled pens, all bearing traditional Manx motifs.

And they'll be sold as luxury goods in gift shops around the Island, including Manx National Heritage outlets.

Heading the new venture is Martin Sewell, now chairman of the Manx Workshop for the Disabled.

He says the aim's to make the workshop less dependent on donations: