Open invitation to funeral service

The Isle of Man is being invited to say goodbye to its most famous resident.

Sir Norman Wisdom died in a Ballasalla nursing home at the age of 95 on Monday evening, sparking tributes from around the world.

His funeral will be held later this month, and could bring Douglas to a standstill as his cortege travels along the promenade.

Although his family and friends will be holding a private burial ceremony, a spokesman says the whole Island is welcome to attend a service and reception.

Mourners will be able to pay their respects to Sir Norman on Friday, October 22.

A horse-drawn hearse will leave the Onchan end of Douglas promenade at 1.35pm, before travelling into the town centre.

There will then be a service at St George's Church starting at 2pm, followed by a reception to be held at Sir Norman's Bar, at the Sefton Hotel.

Both the service and reception will be open to the public.