The end of an era is approaching at Manx National Heritage.

Director Stephen Harrison is to retire from his post early in 2009, after 27 years with the organisation.

Mr Harrison, who has been asked to help with cultural heritage projects at European level, is paying tribute to the people he has worked alongside:

"It's really been a priviledge and a pleasure to work with such a creative and enthusiastic team of professionals here at MNH.

"I think the public would agree probably at large through their efforts, and with the strong support of government and the MNH trustees, and that massive support that we have enjoyed from the Manx public, I think together we have achieved something that I think the nation can be rightly proud of."