RNLI founder to be honoured

The founder of the RNLI will be honoured later today (Sunday).

Sir William Hillary, who founded the Institution in March 1824, was a member of the Douglas lifeboat crew which will hold its annual commemorative service in his honour at St George's Church in Douglas at 3pm.

It will be attended by Lieutenant Governor Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks, Bishop Robert Paterson, Mayor of Douglas Dot Pitts and RNLI divisional inspector of lifeboats Colin Williams.

The non-denominational service will be led by the Archdeacon Reverend Brian Smith, following which, the congregation will follow the clergy out to Sir William's tomb in the churchyard, where prayers will be said and a wreath in RNLI colours laid by the governor.

(Statue of Sir William Hillary on Douglas Head)