Farmer 'thrilled' to become captain of Bride

John Teare will take over the role from family friend William Christian

A third-generation farmer said he was "thrilled" to be named the newest captain of a parish on the Isle of Man.

John Teare has taken on the role in Bride, in the north of the island, after the retirement of William Christian, who held the position for 44 years.

Mr Teare, who farms cattle and sheep at Ballavair Farm, said he was "honoured and delighted" to be nominated and to be able to follow on from Mr Christian.

He said it had been a "huge achievement" for his predecessor to serve the community for more than four decades.

The role of captain, held in each of the island's 17 parishes, has become largely ceremonial and involves attending the Tynwald Hill proceedings on the island's national day each year.

One duty remains, which involves being obliged to call a public meeting if an issue of public concern arises.

'Bit of a surprise'

Mr Teare, who was the 2013 winner of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show's top prize, the supreme champion, has also judged cattle competitions at the Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire shows.

Mr Teare said it had been "a bit of a surprise" to be nominated and he was "a little nervous" when meeting the Lieutenant Governor to discuss the role.

"I've just turned 60 and this was the first job interview I've ever had," he said, but added he was "thrilled" to be taking on the historical role.

The father-of-three said Mr Christian, had been a "good buddy" of his late father, also John Teare.

A call from the longstanding former captain to say congratulations had therefore "meant a lot", he said.

"Forty-four years as captain is a huge achievement," Mr Teare said.

It was "an honour" to take on the role from a family friend and "represent the parish of Bride and its people", he added.

Mr Teare will be sworn in as Captain of the Parish of Bride at a ceremony at Government House later this month.