'One thousand' people sign up for Tower of Refuge walk

The Tower of Refuge was the idea of Sir William Hillary

One thousand people have signed up for a guided walk to the Tower of Refuge in aid of the RNLI, according to the Douglas Development Partnership (DDP).

The tower, built on Conister Rock in Douglas in 1832, was the idea of Sir William Hillary, founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

DDP's Gill Anderson said: "It is a rare chance to learn about the role it has played in helping save lives."

The guided walk is expected to begin at approximately 17:45 BST on 7 April.

Mrs Anderson continued: "The Tower of Refuge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Douglas. It's also perhaps one of the least accessible.

"This event provides a rare opportunity for people to walk out safely under supervision to Conister Rock with all funds going to the RNLI."

The tower was designed as a shelter for the crews of vessels which were wrecked on the nearby reef.

Sir William Hillary, who launched an appeal in 1824 that led to the foundation of the RNLI, was a member of the Douglas lifeboat crew.