Two ?50 coins have been presented to the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall.

They were commissioned by the Isle of Man Government to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

Treasury Minister Alf Cannan handed them over to the British Armed Forces and Royal British Legion in recognition of the close ties between the Island and the UK.

Both suffered losses during the Great War and subsequent conflicts.

Mr Cannan said: “It was an honour to represent the Manx government at this event, to make the presentations and reinforce the strength of the bond and shared history which exists between the Island and the UK.”

A similar event was held on the Island last week.

The silver crowns were commissioned alongside a distinctive 50 pence coin featuring red poppies and an image of the First World War soldier from Douglas war memorial.

They are being distributed to all schoolchildren and students in full-time education in the Island this week.