The annual cycle tour around all eleven branches of the Isle of Man Bank has raised more than ?4,000 for two local charities.

The Tour des Branches is based on the exploits of local cycling star Mark Cavendish in the Tour de France.

Staff members, together with customers and guests, faced a full day's riding, covering around 100 miles in the process.

Although somewhat saddle-sore, the pain felt by participants was eased by the fact they had earned substantial sums of money, via their own individual sponsorships, for the Children's Centre and Victim Support.

Around seven riders launched the initiative in 2008, but this time the number was up to 30, including 15 staff.

They started their journey at 8am from Royal Bank House in Douglas.

From there, the scene switched to the south of the Island, then back to Douglas and on to Peel and Kirk Michael. The route then took the fundraisers north to Andreas and Bride, before heading on to Ramsey, Laxey and Onchan, and returning to Royal Bank House shortly before 6pm.

One of the organisers, campaign and communications manager Matt Cory, said the whole journey, including stopping for refreshments, took just under ten hours, with about eight of those spent in the saddle.

Although there are no branches in Andreas and Bride, the cyclists covered a loop of the northern plain to bring the total distance up to 100 miles.

John Knight from the Children’s Centre and Paula Gelling (Victim Support) both completed the route, as did Isle of Man Bank managing director, Bill Shimmin, and head of premium banking Ian Perry.

The final total raised is expected to be over ?4,000 as several of the staff participants will have qualified for awards under the bank's Community Cashback scheme, which recognises the efforts of employees raising money for charities.