SOCIAL networking site Twitter will be used to raise money for an Island charity next month.

Twestival, Twitter festival, uses social media for social good by connecting communities offline on a single day to highlight a good cause.

It is the largest social media fundraising initiative and this year more than 200 cities worldwide will take part.

The Isle of Man Twestival will raise money for the Island charity Wish Upon A Dream which grants special wishes for sick children.

This year's event will take place on Thursday, March 24, at Jaks Bar and Steakhouse in Douglas.

Event organiser Sherrilynne Starkie said: "Twestival encourages people to tweet, meet and give. It's a fun event where people who chat together online can get together face to face, have a good time and raise money for a great local cause.

"Twitter has gotten a lot more popular in the Island since last year's campaign with hundreds, if not thousands, more residents now tweeting regularly. We are holding this big Twitter celebration to bring this community together offline."

Last year's Twestival raised more than £2,300 for Concern Worldwide in one day. 100 percent of funds raised at the event will be donated to the Wish Upon A Dream charity.

Past wishes granted by the charity include a Laura Ashley dream bedroom for a young girl with bone cancer, a trip to Lapland for a girl with a rare tumour and a home spa for a boy suffering from spinal muscular atrophy.

Twestival is looking for volunteers and donations of auction items and raffle prizes from interested people and organisations.

If you are interested contact @iomtwestival on Twitter or e-mail twestival@strivepr.com.