MANX Telecom will take over the sponsorship of the annual Parish Walk event in the Isle of Man.

The company will take over as headline sponsor following the withdrawal of long term sponsor Scottish Widows in August.

The 85 mile Parish Walk event attracts thousands of local people each June as they aim to walk around the Island's parishes.

Manx Telecom is no stranger to the walking race as it has previously been involved in supporting the timing and results service.

David Smith, marketing director at Manx Telecom, said: "The Parish Walk is a wonderful example of the Isle of Man's passion for sport and community spirit.

"It's an incredible sporting contest, a great community event, and it generates thousands of pounds every year for Island charities with so many of the walkers raising funds.

"All of these aspects of the Parish Walk mean that it has become an integral part of Island life and becoming title sponsor of the event is a natural progression for Manx Telecom as we have provided timing and results services since 2007.

"As the Island's leading telecommunications company we are very proud to sponsor such an important event in the Island's sporting and community calendar."

Race director of the Parish Walk Raymond Cox said: "We have made good friends with the people at Manx Telecom over the past five years and they bring an excellent level of technological expertise to the organisation.

"We look forward to bringing an even better Parish Walk in 2012 and over the next three years we will enhance the 'parish experience' for both competitors and spectators alike."

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below:

Also see: Scottish Widows walk away from Parish Walk sponsorship