Former Isle of Man prison auction raises thousands

Artefacts from the Isle of Man's former jail sold for a total of £8,800, the government has announced.

A public auction, on 12 March, raised £5,320. The remaining items were sold to a Scottish art project for £3,500.

Among the hundreds of items for sale, were Victorian cell doors, which sold for £30 to £40 each.

The government is discussing what to do with the building, which was left empty when prisoners were transferred to the new prison in Jurby in August 2008.

Since then, different groups have used the former prison, including emergency services on training exercises, photographers, film location scouts and 150 youngsters attending a street soccer event.

The money raised will go towards the upkeep of the building until a decision is made on its future, the government said.