MANX Mencap has received a cash boost of £8,000 after it was made Britannia International's charity of the year for 2011.

Staff at the bank's branches in Douglas, Ramsey and Port Erin raised the money by taking part in a variety of fundraising activities throughout the year.

These included bag packing, dress down days, car boot sales, a corporate go-karting event and a fashion show. 

The money raised by Britannia International will be used by Manx Mencap to support 22 community homes in the Isle of Man which help people with learning disabilities live independently.

Di O'Brien, the vice chair of Manx Mencap, said: "I am overwhelmed by the generosity shown by Britannia International.

"I can confirm that a significant part of the donation has already been spent on a Christmas wish list which was a list of requests received from all our Manx Mencap community homes and our respite centre. 

"These requests represent anything that might benefit the residents of the houses and included providing some garden furniture, a barbecue, a music centre, new cushions and curtains, craft items and even Astroturf to make an all weather garden."  

Mark Beresford, managing director of Britannia International, said: "At Britannia International we have a very strong commitment to corporate social responsibility as does our parent company The Co-operative Bank. 

"I would like to thank my colleagues for their hard work and dedication in raising this wonderful sum for Manx Mencap. 

"We set an ambitious fundraising target of £5,000 at the start of 2011 and are absolutely delighted to have surpassed this amount. 

"Colleagues have given up their time to take part in a variety of community projects as well as holding events such as cake sales and auctions during the year. 

"We are very proud to support a local charity in this way."

For more information on Britannia International click here.