Famous feline resident takes over town art trail

A cat given the freedom of a town in the north of the Isle of Man has been featured in reimagined famous artworks, as part of an art group's 75th anniversary celebrations.

Ramsey-based Mannin Art Group said, as the longest running group of its kind on the island, it wanted to do something "special" to mark the milestone.

Thomas the town cat has been unofficially adopted by several retailers along Parliament Street and his popularity with the town's residents and visitors saw him awarded the freedom of the area last year.

Wendy Turner from the art group said she hoped the trail of 20 artworks in shop windows would boost visitors to the town.

Ms Turner, who came up with the idea for the project, said: "The idea was that we would paint our versions of known masterpieces."

She said she hoped people would recognise the artworks, but the aim was also to educate people, including children.

"We wanted the art trail to be family friendly, and obviously local to Ramsey," she said.

"You can't really get much friendlier than a pussycat that's got the freedom of the town."