Students in full time education on the Island will receive a specially minted coin to mark the centenary of Armistice Day at the end of the First World War.

They will each be given a distinctive 50 pence coin featuring red poppies, commissioned by the Treasury.

Each coin will be presented in its own individual display case.

The coin shows an image of the First World War soldier from the Douglas war memorial, with the words 'Their name liveth for evermore'.

It also includes the dates '1914 1918', beneath which are the Roman numerals 'XI.XI.XI' as a reminder of the final time and date of the War's end.

The edge of the coin is decorated with red poppies, with the image of the Queen on the obverse.

Cupro-Nickel versions of these coins, without the red poppies, will be placed into general circulation.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle says: "This centenary is one of enormous importance in our Island's, and the world's, history.

“It is appropriate that we not only look back with dignity to the events of 100 years ago but also look forward positively as well.

“That is why the gift of these special coins to the young people of our Island, those whose lives will do so much to shape our future, has such importance and such weight.”

His views were echoed by the Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan who says: "There are a host of commemorative events happening to mark the end of the First World War, here at home, across the UK and around the world.

“This is our way of acknowledging the huge sacrifices made in the First World War.

“A war in which 8,261 Manx men enlisted in the armed forces, and in which 1,165 lost their lives.

“The coins will ensure that those in education today will have a keepsake which will always remind them of this special and poignant moment in our history."