The Isle of Wight has finished fifth on the medal tables at the Island Games 2023, in Guernsey.

Ahead of them, were home islands, Guernsey and Jersey, followed by the Isle of Man and the Faroe Islands.

Team IOW amassed an impressive 38 medals - including 15 gold, 15 silver and 8 bronze.

The shooting team is responsible for a whopping 23 of those medals - including 9 golds.

Isle of Wight County Press: There has been a gold medal for women's half marathon team Holly Newton, Charlie Metcalfe and Carly Scoble.There has been a gold medal for women's half marathon team Holly Newton, Charlie Metcalfe and Carly Scoble. (Image: Chantelle Air.)

The men's football team celebrates bronze.

Athletics, cycling, swimming, sailing, table tennis and the men's football team also won places on the podium. 

Tonight (Friday), a closing ceremony is getting underway - with Pat Thorley charged with carrying the Isle of Wight's flag.

Part of the table tennis team, Pat is credited with embodying the spirit of the friendly games and was unanimously chosen for the ceremonial task.

Pat's has been playing table tennis since she was 12.

Later, her coach eventually became her husband.

The couple planned to retire to the Isle of Wight but Pat's husband sadly died before they did.

Bravely, Pat decided to cross The Solent anyway and joined a local table tennis club - which paved the way to the Island Games.

Aged 72, her dedication and skill earned her a spot on the Table Tennis team.

Speaking at the end of the Island Games, Team IOW chair, Kevin Winchcombe told the County Press: "We have achieved the most medals since 1999.

"There have been many memorable achievements.

"Seeing athletes compete to their best ability is just simply inspiring. 

"This week has been an amazing experience for everyone, with lots of memories made which will stay with us all for many years to come. 

"It’s been emotional."