They're a familiar sight around the Isle of Man, and if you're a TT visitor you might be staying in one now; Island Escapes holiday homes.

And now, the Manx holiday lettings agency, which manages over 150 properties across the Island, has been acquired by a UK company.  

Island Escapes is joining the Cornwall-based Sapphire Holidays Ltd family of brands.

But how did it come about? And will the company retain its Manx identity?

Lewis Foster has been speaking to Island Escapes Founder John Keggin, Chairman of Sapphire Holidays Simon Tregoning, and Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man.

Starting with Mr Keggin: