Two dispatches of clothes have been sent to an orphanage in Sri Lanka to help needy children, thanks to an initiative by a Post Office employee.

Lee Bridge, Business Analyst at Isle of Man Post Office, visited the Princess Grace Orphanage in Kalutra, Sri Lanka, while on holiday in September 2009 and was inspired to help them.

If a child is abandoned or given to the Princess Grace Orphanage, they are given a home until the age of 17; currently the orphanage is home to more than 65 children from as young as newborn.

Lee said, "The children had very little clothing, the babies were sleeping on uncovered mattresses without sheets.

"It was clear that toys, teddies and books were an unaffordable luxury.  The Princess Grace is a Christian orphanage and relies on the goodwill of people to help provide these items which the children only dream of having."   

Lee and his wife Janet decided they wanted to send two dispatches of clothes, toys and books per year and approached the Isle of Man Post Office for assistance.

"We are delighted that the children will be receiving these clothes, toys and books kindly donated by our family, friends and work colleagues.

"Thanks to the Isle of Man Post Office’s generosity in sending the parcels, these wonderful children and carers will have a very special Easter."

 Pictured: Lee Bridge (right) hands over a parcel to counter clerk Tony Hunter.